Fruit Cake Bread

Fruit Cake Bread Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fruit Cake Bread is a delicious and flavorful treat that is perfect for any time of the year. This recipe combines the sweetness of dried fruits with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to create a moist and tasty bread that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Fruit Cake Bread has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in different cultures around the world. Originally, fruit cakes were made with preserved fruits and nuts, which were often soaked in alcohol to enhance the flavor. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a wider variety of fruits and spices, resulting in the delicious bread we know today.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp grated orange peel
0.5 tsp mace
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup thawed orange concentrate
0.5 cup applesauce
0.33 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla
0.75 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped dates

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
Lightly oil a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) loaf pan and set it aside.
Whisk together the flour, spices, peel, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In a food processor or blender, blend together the orange juice, apple sauce, oil, and vanilla.
Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.
Stir until the mixture is just combined.
Fold in the nuts and add the dried fruit.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1.5 hours.
Cool on a wire rack.

Variations

You can add a cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for a different flavor.
For a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts and add an extra cup of dried fruit.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the dried fruits into small pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

- If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can add a bit of sugar to the batter.

- For a more festive touch, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the bread before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Fruit Cake Bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter.

- Baking the bread at a lower temperature for a longer time will help ensure that it cooks evenly and stays moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use orange juice instead of orange concentrate if you prefer.

- You can use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Fruit Cake Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

You can slice the Fruit Cake Bread and arrange it on a platter with fresh fruit for a beautiful presentation. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Fruit Cake Bread pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. It also goes well with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for a sweet dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Fruit Cake Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fruit Cake Bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fruit Cake Bread contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fruit Cake Bread contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fruit Cake Bread contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruit Cake Bread is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and wheat.

Summary

Fruit Cake Bread is a delicious and nutritious treat that is perfect for any occasion. It is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying and filling snack.

Summary

Fruit Cake Bread is a delicious and flavorful treat that is perfect for any time of the year. With its combination of dried fruits, warm spices, and nuts, this bread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Fruit Cake Bread. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just finished browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes fell upon a faded, handwritten note tucked away between the pages. It was a recipe for Fruit Cake Bread, written in delicate script that was clearly from another era.

I felt a surge of excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for a medley of dried fruits – apricots, raisins, cherries, and currants – as well as a generous amount of nuts and a hint of warm spices. The batter was to be mixed and poured into a loaf pan, then baked until golden and fragrant. The end result promised to be a moist and flavorful bread that would be perfect for sharing with loved ones.

I knew immediately that I had to try making this Fruit Cake Bread. As I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen, I couldn't help but think of all the times I had spent baking with my own grandmother. She had been a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious treats for our family gatherings. I remembered the way she would hum as she worked, her hands moving with practiced ease as she created culinary masterpieces that always brought a smile to our faces.

As the aroma of the baking bread filled my kitchen, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through the recipe, offering tips and tricks that she had learned over the years. I could feel her presence with me, urging me to trust my instincts and infuse the bread with love and care.

When the timer finally dinged, I eagerly pulled the loaf pan from the oven and allowed the bread to cool slightly before slicing into it. The first bite was pure magic – the fruits were plump and juicy, the nuts added a satisfying crunch, and the spices danced on my tongue. It was a flavor explosion that transported me back to my childhood, to those carefree days spent in my grandmother's kitchen.

I knew then that this recipe for Fruit Cake Bread was special. It was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a link to my past, a connection to the women who had come before me and passed down their culinary wisdom. It was a reminder that food is not just sustenance, but a way to nurture and connect with those we love.

I have made this Fruit Cake Bread many times since that fateful day, each time savoring the memories it brings and the joy it brings to those I share it with. And as I pass the recipe on to my own grandchildren, I know that it will continue to be a part of our family's culinary legacy, a reminder of the love and tradition that binds us together.