Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both healthy and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This fruit and nut bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it ideal for beginner bakers and busy weeknights. Get ready to enjoy the fragrant aroma and delightful taste of homemade goodness! This recipe is one of the best recipes for a reason, promising a quick and satisfying homemade cooking experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or a mix)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread releases easily after baking.
-
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
-
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best here, but you can also do this by hand with a little elbow grease!
-
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
-
Fold in Fruit and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts. This preserves their texture and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
-
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes, as ovens can vary.
-
Cool & Enjoy: 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. Slice and serve! It's delicious on its own, toasted with butter, or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Cooking Tips for the Best Fruit and Nut Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures better emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, it's perfectly baked.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a warmer flavor profile.
- Citrus zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Different nuts and fruits: Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 10-12g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Sugar: 15-20g
This easy fruit and nut bread recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meal ideas and quick dinner solutions, or simply a delicious homemade treat. Enjoy this versatile and satisfying bread! It's sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.