Fruit Jar Bread
A moist, flavorful fruit jar bread featuring spices, nuts, and pumpkin or sweet potato, perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings with a warm, comforting taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bread loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the pumpkin (or sweet potato/zucchini) and water until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the nuts evenly into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using applesauce as a substitute for half of the shortening. You can also replace the nuts with dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture. If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the cinnamon or nutmeg slightly. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to experiment with different seasonal spices or fruits, similar to those found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Fruit Jar Bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a smear of butter or cream cheese for richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a delightful dessert, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of Rich Dark Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting, creating a comforting, satisfying spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, wrap the Fruit Jar Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Jar Bread contains roughly 434 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1202mg per serving (52% 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 a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it may alter the texture slightly. If you want a gluten-free alternative, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum to maintain structure.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your Fruit Jar Bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. To prevent this, mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined and use a light hand when folding in the nuts. Next time, measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup.
Can I add other ingredients to customize my Fruit Jar Bread?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even shredded coconut. Just remember to adjust the sugar slightly if using sweeter ingredients. This adaptability allows you to create variations that suit your taste, much like the diverse offerings in vegetarian recipes.
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).