Are you dreaming of a warm, comforting bread, bursting with the sweet jewels of candied fruit and fragrant spices? Look no further! This easy candied fruit bread recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, weekend brunches, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. It's a delicious dish that's surprisingly simple to make, proving that healthy meals and quick dinner ideas can also be incredibly satisfying. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and subtly spiced flavors, making it a favorite among homemade cooking enthusiasts. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups mixed candied fruit (cherries, peel, etc.)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, resulting in a beautifully risen loaf.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
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Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the melted butter.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
Incorporating the Candied Fruit:
- Gently fold in the candied fruit.
First Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Second Rise:
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Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
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Place the loaf in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Baking the Bread:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and allows it to develop its full flavor.
Tips for the Best Candied Fruit Bread:
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality candied fruit will significantly enhance the flavor of your bread.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Proper Rising: Ensure your yeast is active and allow the dough sufficient time to rise. A warm place (around 75-80°F) is ideal.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) along with the candied fruit.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor with the zest of an orange or lemon.
- Spiced it Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, allspice, or ginger.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: Around 8-10g Carbohydrates: Around 40-45g Sugar: Around 15-20g Protein: Around 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This candied fruit bread is a true testament to the joy of homemade cooking. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy every delicious bite!