Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, fragrant bread, bursting with the sweetness of sun-ripened fruit in every bite. The aroma alone can transport you to a cozy kitchen on a crisp autumn morning.

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is more than just a simple bake; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the pure joy of homemade goodness. Picture yourself savoring this delightful treat with a cup of tea on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Here are a few reasons why this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe will become your new go-to:

• Effortlessly create a stunning and flavorful bread that requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
• Experience a delightful blend of textures and tastes, from the soft crumb to the bursts of sweet and tangy fruit.
• The vibrant colors and rustic charm of this bread make it a visually appealing centerpiece for any table or gathering.
• Adapt this recipe to your liking with different fruits and spices for a unique and personalized culinary creation.

Ingredients for Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour The foundation of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb. Use unbleached for the best flavor.

Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness and helps to create a moist texture. Brown sugar can be substituted for a richer, molasses-like flavor.

Baking Powder A leavening agent that gives the bread its rise. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.

Salt Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors of the other ingredients. Use sea salt or kosher salt.

Eggs Binds the ingredients together and adds richness and moisture. Use large eggs for consistent results.

Milk Adds moisture and helps to create a soft crumb. You can use whole milk, or non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk.

Vegetable Oil Contributes to the moistness of the bread. Canola oil or melted coconut oil can also be used.

Alcohol-free vanilla extract Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth. Use pure Alcohol-free vanilla extract for the best taste.

Dried Apricots Adds a chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor.

Raisins Provides a burst of sweetness and adds a classic touch. Golden raisins can also be used.

Dried Cranberries Offers a tangy and slightly tart flavor that complements the other fruits.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) to prevent sticking. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out for easy access.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure that there are no lumps and the baking powder is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and Alcohol-free vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no bits of yolk or egg white remaining.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

Step 5: Add the Dried Fruit

Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots, raisins, and dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Make sure the fruits are well incorporated.

Step 6: Bake the Fruit Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is delicious on its own or toasted with butter.

Tips for the Best Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Want to elevate your Easy Fruit Bread Recipe to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure baking success:

The Secret Ingredient: Fruit Soaking (H3)

For an extra moist and flavorful fruit bread, consider soaking your dried fruits in warm apple juice or even strong brewed tea (cooled) for about 30 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will plump them up and infuse them with even more deliciousness. Plus, it prevents them from soaking up too much moisture from the batter, keeping your bread perfectly tender.

Spice It Up! (H3)

Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can add a warm and inviting flavor dimension to your Easy Fruit Bread Recipe. Consider adding about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite spice blend to the dry ingredients. Just remember, a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Nutty Additions (H3)

For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts into your Easy Fruit Bread Recipe. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work particularly well. Toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor and crunch. About 1/2 cup of chopped nuts should do the trick!

Glaze It! (H3)

To give your Easy Fruit Bread Recipe a professional touch, consider adding a simple glaze after it has cooled. A basic powdered sugar glaze made with milk or lemon juice is a classic choice. You can also add a touch of Alcohol-free vanilla extract or alcohol-free almond extract to the glaze for extra flavor. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing and serving.

Variations on the Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

The beauty of this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature version:

Tropical Twist (H3)

Swap out the dried apricots, raisins, and cranberries for dried mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes. Add a splash of pineapple juice with almond extract flavoring (instead of real pineapple juice with almond extract!) to enhance the tropical flavors.

Citrus Burst (H3)

Add the zest of one orange and one lemon to the batter for a bright and refreshing flavor. You can also substitute orange juice for some of the milk in the recipe. Consider using dried cranberries and chopped candied citrus peel for added zest.

Chocolate Chip Delight (H3)

Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) for a decadent twist. This variation is especially popular with kids (and adults!). You can also add a swirl of Nutella to the top of the batter before baking for an even richer treat.

Storing Your Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for later.

Room Temperature (H3)

Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezer (H3)

For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

In the vast world of baked goods, this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe stands out for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s a recipe that anyone can make, regardless of their baking experience. The combination of sweet and tangy dried fruits, the tender crumb, and the warm aroma make it a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, serving it as a dessert, or gifting it to a friend, this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of pure happiness!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the most delicious result, begin by thoroughly combining your dry ingredients before adding the wet ones. This ensures even distribution. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries, or add chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking adds a delightful, caramelized crust. Get creative!

Storing & Reheating

Store your fruit bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat slices in a toaster or a warm oven to restore their fresh-baked flavor.

Here are some tips to make your fruit bread the best it can be:

• Use ripe, but not overripe, fruit for the best flavor and texture; avoid fruit that is too mushy, which can make the bread soggy.
• Don’t overmix the batter; a few streaks of flour are okay; overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a tough bread.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing; this allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when cut.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

I remember when I first baked this bread for a family brunch. My picky nephew devoured two slices! It was a proud baker moment, and it quickly became a requested recipe.

Dive into the World of Fruit Bread

Let’s be honest, folks. Sometimes, you just need a slice of something comforting. Something that whispers sweet nothings into your taste buds, without requiring you to sell your soul to the sugar gods. That’s where this **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe** comes in. It’s like a warm hug in baked form, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Forget those complicated recipes that require a PhD in baking science. This one is straightforward, forgiving, and guaranteed to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even if the last thing you successfully baked was a microwave potato.

This isn’t your grandma’s dense, flavorless fruitcake, either. No offense to grandmas, but sometimes those things can be a bit… intense. This **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe** strikes the perfect balance: moist, flavorful, and studded with juicy bits of dried fruit that practically explode with deliciousness in every bite. We’re talking a symphony of textures and tastes, all wrapped up in a golden-brown loaf.

The Humble Origins of My Fruit Bread Obsession

My personal fruit bread journey began, as many culinary adventures do, with a craving. A serious, unrelenting craving for something sweet but not cloyingly so. I scoured the internet, only to find recipes that were either intimidatingly complex or looked suspiciously like something you’d find fossilized in a museum.

Determined, I embarked on a mission to create the perfect **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe**: one that even a baking novice (like I was back then) could whip up with confidence. After several attempts (some more successful than others, let’s be honest), I finally cracked the code. This recipe is the culmination of my trials, errors, and a whole lot of taste-testing. You’re welcome.

Why This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe Is Different

So, what makes this recipe so special? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly easy. We’re talking one-bowl, mix-and-bake easy. Secondly, it’s versatile. You can customize it with your favorite dried fruits, nuts, and spices to create your own signature loaf. And finally, it’s ridiculously delicious. Seriously, be prepared to hide this from your family, or it will vanish faster than a plate of cookies at a kids’ birthday party.

The Star Ingredients: Your Fruit Medley

Let’s talk fruit. The heart and soul of our **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe**. While you can absolutely use a pre-mixed bag of dried fruit, I highly recommend creating your own blend. This allows you to tailor the flavors to your preferences and ensure that you’re getting the best possible quality.

Raisins are a classic choice, offering a chewy sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully. Golden raisins add a touch of brightness, while dark raisins provide a deeper, more molasses-like flavor. Dried cranberries bring a tartness that cuts through the sweetness, adding a delightful tang. And chopped dried apricots lend a subtle honeyed flavor and a lovely soft texture.

Other fantastic options include dried cherries, dates, figs, and even candied citrus peel (if you’re feeling fancy). Just remember to chop any larger pieces of fruit into smaller, more manageable sizes to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.

Getting Fruity: Preparing Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, it’s important to plump up your dried fruit. This helps to prevent them from drying out the bread during baking and ensures that they remain juicy and flavorful. Simply soak the dried fruit in warm water or fruit juice for about 15-20 minutes. Then, drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel.

This little step makes a huge difference in the final texture of the bread. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

The Wet Ingredients: The Secret to Moistness

Now, let’s move on to the wet ingredients. This **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe** relies on a combination of oil and applesauce to create a perfectly moist and tender crumb. The oil adds richness and helps to keep the bread from drying out, while the applesauce provides a subtle sweetness and adds moisture without making the bread heavy.

You can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or even melted coconut oil. As for the applesauce, unsweetened is the way to go. This allows you to control the overall sweetness of the bread and prevents it from becoming too cloying.

Spicing Things Up: Adding Depth of Flavor

A touch of spice is essential for adding depth and complexity to your **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe**. Cinnamon is a classic choice, lending a warm and comforting aroma that evokes memories of cozy kitchens and holiday gatherings. Nutmeg adds a subtle nutty flavor, while allspice provides a more complex blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

You can also experiment with other spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Let’s Bake Some Easy Fruit Bread

Alright, are you ready to transform a humble bowl of ingredients into a loaf of pure deliciousness? Let’s get baking! This **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe** is so simple, even a kitchen newbie can master it.

The Magic Formula: Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe** adventure:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit, soaked and drained (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)

Mixing It Up: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe** success:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the bread.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, applesauce, eggs, and Alcohol-free vanilla extract. This creates a smooth and emulsified wet mixture.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread.

5. Gently fold in the soaked and drained dried fruit.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Slice and serve. Enjoy the fruits (pun intended) of your labor.

Troubleshooting Your Fruit Bread: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with an **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe**, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• **Dry Bread:** Overbaking is the most common culprit. Check the bread frequently during the last 15 minutes of baking and remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
• **Tough Bread:** Overmixing the batter develops the gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• **Fruit Sinking to the Bottom:** This usually happens when the fruit is too heavy or the batter is too thin. Make sure to soak and drain the fruit thoroughly and pat it dry before adding it to the batter. You can also toss the fruit with a tablespoon of flour before adding it to the batter to help it stay suspended.

Variations on a Theme: Expanding Your Fruit Bread Horizons

The beauty of this **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe** is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature loaf.

Add nuts, like chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds, for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Stir in chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence. Replace some of the applesauce with mashed banana for a boost of flavor and moisture. Or, add a glaze made from powdered sugar and fruit juice for a touch of sweetness and shine.

The possibilities are endless. So, go ahead and get creative. Your taste buds will thank you for it. This **Easy Fruit Bread Recipe** is a keeper.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

Once, I accidentally used sparkling cider instead of plain juice for soaking the fruit. The bread had a delightful, subtle fizz! Accidental discoveries are often the best.

Conclusion for Easy Fruit Bread Recipe :

This recipe is your ticket to baking bliss without the fuss. It’s incredibly straightforward and yields a loaf that’s both delicious and satisfying. Remember, the key is to let the mixture sit for a bit to allow the dried fruit to plump up, and don’t overbake it! The adaptable nature of this bread means you can adjust the fruit selection to match your preferences, making it the perfect anytime treat. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy!

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FAQs :

What are some variations I can try with this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe?

Oh, you fancy, huh? Alright, let’s talk variations! Instead of the dried cranberries and apricots, how about some chopped dates and walnuts for a more autumnal vibe? Or maybe some candied ginger and golden raisins for a spicy kick? You could even swirl in a bit of orange zest into the batter to brighten things up. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try adding a handful of chocolate chips. Just remember to adjust the amount of sugar if you’re using sweeter fruits, and always trust your taste buds!

Can I make this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This easy fruit bread is a fantastic make-ahead treat. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped loaf for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can then warm it slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked goodness.

What is the best way to store this Easy Fruit Bread?

Alright, listen up, because storing this delicious bread properly is key to maintaining its moistness and flavor. First, make sure it’s completely cooled before you even think about wrapping it. Once cool, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it should stay fresh for about three days. If you need it to last longer, pop it in the fridge, where it will keep for about a week. However, keep in mind that refrigeration can dry it out slightly, so wrapping it well is crucial.

What kind of fruit can I use in my fruit bread loaf?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! While the recipe suggests specific fruits, feel free to get creative. Dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, raisins, and chopped figs work wonderfully. For a more intense flavor, consider using glace cherries or even some chopped dried mango. Just be sure to chop any larger fruits into smaller, more manageable pieces. If you are using softer fruit, make sure to use the same quantity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination of fruity goodness.