How to make fruit loaf
Fruit loaf is a delicious, moist and fruity bread that is perfect for breakfast, brunch or tea time. Packed with dried fruits like raisins, apricots and cherries, it has a delightful sweetness and bursts of flavour in every bite. Making your own fruit loaf at home is not only simple, but it also allows you to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
To make a fruit loaf, you will need a few key ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk and of course, a variety of dried fruits. Feel free to mix and match your favourite fruits or use up any that are already in your pantry. This recipe combines the rich flavors of raisins, apricots and cherries, but you can also add cranberries, currants or dates for a different twist.
Start by soaking the dried fruits in orange juice or brandy to plump them up and infuse them with a lovely brightness. This step not only adds moisture and flavor to the fruit loaf, but also helps to prevent the fruits from burning in the oven. Once the fruits have soaked for at least an hour, it’s time to mix the remaining ingredients together and combine everything into a sticky dough. The dough will be quite wet, but don’t worry, this is what gives the loaf its soft and moist texture.
Overview
The fruit loaf is a delicious and versatile baked treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. It is made by combining a variety of dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, and currants with a sweet bread dough.
One of the advantages of making a fruit loaf is that it is incredibly easy to customize to your preferences. You can choose your favorite combination of fruits or add nuts and spices to enhance the flavor. This allows you to create a unique loaf that is perfect for your taste buds.
Not only is a fruit loaf flavorful, but it is also packed with nutrients from the dried fruits. These fruits offer a good source of fiber and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the fruit loaf can be a healthier alternative to more processed baked goods.
When it comes to making a fruit loaf, the process is simple. You start by soaking the dried fruits in hot water or fruit juice to plump them up. Then, you mix the fruits with the bread dough and let it rise until doubled in size. Finally, you bake the loaf until it is golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
Whether you enjoy it toasted with butter, served as a teatime treat, or simply as it is, a fruit loaf is a tasty and wholesome addition to any meal. So why not try making one yourself? With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a homemade treat that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To make a delicious fruit loaf, you will need the following ingredients:
- 300g of mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, dried apricots)
- 200g of self-raising flour
- 100g of wholemeal flour
- 100g of brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 150ml of milk
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 25g of unsalted butter, melted
These ingredients are enough to make one fruit loaf. You can easily double or triple the measurements if you want to make more.
A list of ingredients required to make fruit loaf
To make a delicious fruit loaf, you will need the following ingredients:
- 350g mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)
- 175g self-raising flour
- 75g brown sugar
- 75g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 50g chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Make sure to gather and measure all the ingredients before you start preparing this wonderful fruit loaf!
Preparation
Before you start making your delicious fruit loaf, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:
- Gather the ingredients: You will need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, dried fruit (such as raisins or currants), mixed peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, yeast, milk, and salt.
- Measure the ingredients: Using a kitchen scale and measuring cups, carefully measure the required quantities of each ingredient according to your recipe. Make sure to follow the measurements precisely for the best results.
- Prepare the dried fruit: If you are using large dried fruits, such as apricots or prunes, chop them into smaller pieces. This will ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the fruit loaf.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the melted butter, yeast, and warm milk. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring continuously. Ensure that there are no lumps and that everything is well combined.
- Add the dried fruit: Gently fold the dried fruit and mixed peel into the dough mixture. Make sure that the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Knead the dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop gluten in the dough, resulting in a better texture.
- Proof the dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles that may have formed. This step helps to ensure a uniform texture in the final loaf.
Your dough is now ready to be shaped and baked into a delicious fruit loaf. Follow the remaining steps of your recipe to complete the process.
Step-by-step guide on how to prepare fruit loaf
A fruit loaf is a delicious and hearty bread that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of dried fruits with the goodness of traditional loaf bread. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, this homemade fruit loaf will surely satisfy your cravings. Here’s how you can easily prepare this delightful loaf:
Ingredients:
- 250g mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
- 250g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 125g brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 150ml milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf tin with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the mixed dried fruits with a tablespoon of flour until well coated. This will help prevent the fruits from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour and cinnamon.
Step 4: In a third bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir well after each addition until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Gently fold in the coated dried fruits, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the loaf starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil.
Step 9: Once baked, remove the fruit loaf from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Note: Fruit loaf tastes even better when enjoyed with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Now you can impress your family and friends with your homemade fruit loaf. Enjoy your freshly baked creation!
Baking
Baking is a popular cooking method that involves the dry heat of an oven to cook food. It is a great way to prepare a variety of dishes, including sweets like cakes, cookies, and fruit loaves.
When it comes to baking, it’s important to follow the recipe closely and measure ingredients accurately. This ensures that the final product turns out just right. Before you start baking, preheat your oven to the specified temperature.
Next, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. For baking a fruit loaf, you’ll need flour, sugar, butter, eggs, dried fruits, nuts, baking powder, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You’ll also need a mixing bowl, a spatula, a loaf tin, and parchment paper.
Before you start mixing the ingredients, it’s a good idea to prepare your loaf tin by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the loaf from the tin once it’s baked. Grease the parchment paper and sides of the tin with a little bit of butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Finally, fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for the specified amount of time. Keep an eye on the loaf towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Once the fruit loaf is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Baking is a wonderful way to create delicious treats like fruit loaves. By following the recipe and using the right techniques, you can enjoy the warm and comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as your fruit loaf bakes to perfection.
Instructions for baking fruit loaf
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to bake a delicious fruit loaf:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 grams of self-rising flour, 175 grams of softened butter, and 150 grams of brown sugar.
- Mix the ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture.
- Add 2 eggs and 4 tablespoons of milk to the mixture, and stir until well combined.
- Next, fold in 200 grams of mixed dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and sultanas. You can also add chopped nuts if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased and lined loaf tin.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the tin and smooth the top using the back of a spoon.
- Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the fruit loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Your delicious fruit loaf is now ready to be enjoyed!
Serving
Once the fruit loaf is baked and cooled, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious treat. There are several ways to enjoy fruit loaf:
1. Plain Slice
The simplest way to serve fruit loaf is to slice it and enjoy it as is. The loaf is packed with flavor, so a plain slice is perfect if you want to savor the taste of the fruits and spices.
2. Toasted
If you prefer a warm slice of fruit loaf, you can toast it lightly in a toaster. The heat will bring out the flavors and make the loaf even more delicious. You can spread butter or cream cheese on the toasted slice for added richness.
Tip: To preserve the moisture and prevent the fruit loaf from drying out when toasting, wrap the loaf tightly with aluminum foil.
Here are a few serving suggestions for your fruit loaf:
- Spread a layer of butter or cream cheese on each slice for an extra creamy bite.
- Dust the slices with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
- Serve the fruit loaf alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Whether you prefer it plain or toasted, the fruit loaf is a versatile and satisfying dessert. Enjoy every slice!
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