Christmas Fruit Bread
A rich, festive Christmas fruit bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and fragrant spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions. Its aromatic flavors delight all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald milk and cool to lukewarm.
- Add yeast cakes and 6 cups of flour to make a batter.
- Let the batter rise until doubled in size.
- Add sugar, well beaten eggs, melted butter, and salt to the batter.
- Cover the raisins, citron, orange peel, and chopped nuts with flour and mix well.
- Fold the floured fruit and nuts into the batter with the remaining flour and seasonings.
- Knead the mixture into a stiff dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk.
- Divide the dough and put into pans.
- Bake at 350°F until golden brown, about 60 minutes.
- Remove from oven, brush loaves with melted butter.
- Cool the loaves, then wrap.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries. If you don't have yeast cakes, you can substitute them with 3 packets of active dry yeast. Make sure the milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. Kneading the dough thoroughly is key to achieving a good texture in your Christmas Fruit Bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Fruit Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It's perfect for breakfast or as a festive snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider pairing it with a light fruit salad or a slice of Ned'S Christmas Egg Casserole for a hearty holiday brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Once the loaves are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped loaves for up to 3 months. To reheat, unwrap and bake at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Fruit Bread contains roughly 3037 calories, with 58g protein, 594g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (296% of the Daily Value), iron (146% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2038mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. However, be aware that this may affect the texture and rise of the bread, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it's golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens may vary.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance; just let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Shape and bake it the next day. This method enhances the flavors and makes it a convenient option for holiday entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).