Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a deliciously sweet and fruity loaf at home. With its blend of juicy fruits and aromatic spices, this bread is a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this fruit bread is sure to impress your family and friends during any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful bread in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of cranberries, raisins, and spices creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, toasted, or slathered with butter or cream cheese—perfect for any meal.
• Perfect for Gifting: This beautiful fruit bread makes a lovely homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Easy Fruit Bread Recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• Baking loaf pan
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to comfortably mix all ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best results in baking.
• Baking loaf pan: A good quality loaf pan ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your fruit bread.

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Ingredients

To make this delightful Easy Fruit Bread Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Bread Base

• 357 g Flour (or 2 3/4 cup loosely packed)
• 210 ml Warm water (1 cup – 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp Instant yeast (or 1 and 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast)
• 1 tsp Salt (or 5.9 g)
• 42.6 g Butter (or 3 tbsp)
• 32 g Sugar (or 2 1/2 tbsp or more according to your preference)

For the Fruity Flavor

• 80-90 g Cranberries (around 1/2 cup)
• 80-90 g Raisins (around 1/2 cup)
• 60-70 g Currants (around 1/2 cup)
• 80-90 g Dry whole Cherries (optional; around 1/2 cup)

For the Spices

• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg Powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Sugar or Pure Vanilla Extract

How to Make Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, butter, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder (if using), and vanilla sugar to the bowl.
3. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.

Step 2: Incorporate Dried Fruits

1. Gradually fold in cranberries, raisins, currants, and cherries if desired.
2. Ensure that fruits are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Knead gently for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: First Rise

1. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

1. Punch down the risen dough gently to release air.
2. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
3. Cover again with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake Your Fruit Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Allow it to cool completely before slicing—enjoy your delicious Easy Fruit Bread!

How to Serve Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Serving your Easy Fruit Bread can elevate its flavors and create a delightful experience. Whether for breakfast or as a snack, here are some creative ways to enjoy it.

Toast with Butter

• Toast slices of the fruit bread and spread a generous amount of butter on top. This simple addition enhances the flavor of the fruits.

Cream Cheese Spread

• Pair your fruit bread with a light cream cheese spread mixed with honey. The sweetness complements the fruity notes perfectly.

Fruit Jam

• Serve with a variety of fruit jams like strawberry or apricot. The added sweetness and tang will make each bite more exciting.

Nut Butter Delight

• Spread almond or peanut butter for a protein-packed option. This combination adds richness and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the bread.

Fresh Fruit Slices

• Top your fruit bread with fresh slices of banana, apple, or berries. This adds freshness and enhances the overall taste experience.

Yogurt Dip

• Serve alongside a small bowl of yogurt for dipping. The creamy texture balances the sweetness of the bread beautifully.

How to Perfect Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

To ensure your Easy Fruit Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your yeast and other perishable items to guarantee the best rise and flavor.
• Measure accurately: Use kitchen scales for flour and sugar to achieve precise measurements, ensuring consistent results.
• Knead properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, giving your bread structure.
• Let it rise fully: Allow enough time for the first rise; this is crucial for flavor development and texture.
• Check for doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when thoroughly baked.
• Cool before slicing: Let your fruit bread cool completely before cutting to maintain its shape and avoid gumminess.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Easy Fruit Bread.

1. Greek Yogurt
   A light and creamy option rich in protein that complements the sweetness of the fruit bread.

2. Mixed Green Salad
   A fresh salad dressed in vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the dense texture of fruit bread.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda which pair exquisitely with sweet flavors from the bread.

4. Honeydew Melon Slices
   Sweet melon adds hydration and complements the fruity elements in your bread beautifully.

5. Spiced Nuts
   A handful of spiced nuts offers crunchiness and balances out the softness of fruit bread.

6. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus
   Crisp vegetables paired with hummus serve as a healthy side that brings extra texture to your meal.

7. Smoothie Bowl
   A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with granola gives a wholesome start alongside your breakfast treat.

8. Chia Seed Pudding
   Creamy chia pudding adds nutrition while contrasting nicely with the sweeter elements in your fruit bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Easy Fruit Bread Recipe, it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold water or butter can slow down the yeast activation. Always ensure your water is warm and butter is at room temperature.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a tender texture.

• Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can make the bread dense. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.

• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest helps develop flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step; let it rise until doubled in size.

• Using expired yeast: Old yeast won’t rise properly. Always check the expiration date before using, and consider proofing it with warm water and sugar first.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your fruit bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap before placing it in the container.

Freezing Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

• Slice your fruit bread before freezing for easy access later.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for about 15-20 seconds.

• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and toast each side of the slice for about 2-3 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe special?

This recipe is special because it combines various fruits and spices, resulting in a flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Can I customize my Easy Fruit Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can add nuts, seeds, or different dried fruits according to your preferences. Experimentation is encouraged!

How do I know when my fruit bread is done baking?

Your fruit bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?

Fresh fruit may add excess moisture, which could affect the texture of your bread. Stick with dried fruit for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite fruits and spices, ensuring every loaf is unique. Give this recipe a try today!