Fruit And Walnut Bread
A moist, flavorful fruit and walnut bread featuring dried apricots, raisins, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast or teatime enjoyed by fruit lovers and baked good enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- In a smaller bowl, combine the beaten egg, milk, and vegetable oil.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just to blend.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts, seedless raisins, and chopped dried apricots.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and cool on a rack for 15 minutes.
- Wrap in foil and let sit overnight before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the batter. If you prefer a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also replace walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely if allergies are a concern. Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert, try serving slices alongside Grilled Cinnamon Apples for a cozy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Fruit and Walnut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Walnut Bread contains roughly 615 calories, with 11g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 505mg per serving (22% 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 fresh fruit instead of dried fruit in this recipe?
While fresh fruit can be used, it's important to remember that it has a higher moisture content than dried fruit. This may alter the texture of the bread. If using fresh fruit, consider reducing the amount of milk slightly to maintain the proper batter consistency.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Fruit and Walnut Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still bake well.
What should I do if my bread is too dry?
If your bread turns out too dry, it might be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the batter. To improve moisture, try adding an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil or a small amount of applesauce to the batter. Additionally, wrapping the bread in foil while it cools can help retain moisture.
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).