Fruit Cocktail Quick Bread
A moist, fruity quick bread packed with tender chunks of fruit cocktail and warm spices, perfect for breakfast or snacks, appealing to fruit lovers and those seeking comforting baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease the bottom only of a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Chop the fruit cocktail and drain thoroughly.
- Mix the chopped fruit cocktail with the remaining ingredients and beat vigorously for 30 strokes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 to 55 minutes.
- Cool the bread for 10 minutes.
- Loosen the sides of the loaf pan.
- Remove the bread from the pan and cool completely before slicing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the flavor, consider using different canned fruits like peaches or pears. If you're looking for a nut-free version, you can easily omit the chopped nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds. To enhance sweetness, add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy, similar to how you would with Southern Fruit Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit cocktail quick 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 wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert, consider serving slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a great complement to Betty-Gine'S Apple Crisp.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit cocktail quick bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bread. Simply slice it and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Cocktail Quick Bread contains roughly 447 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned fruit cocktail?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit, but you'll need to dice it and adjust the moisture content accordingly. Fresh fruits like chopped apples or pears can be added, but consider adding a bit of sugar or juice to mimic the sweetness of canned fruit cocktail.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean, which typically takes about 50 to 55 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Bisquick baking mix with a gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure that the mix you choose has a similar texture and moisture-retaining properties to keep the bread moist and tender. Additionally, check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
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).