Holiday Fruit Bread
A moist, flavorful holiday fruit bread packed with dates, candied fruit, and nuts, perfect for festive gatherings and sweet indulgence during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put nuts, diced dates, candied fruit, butter, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Add boiling water and beat to combine.
- Beat the eggs separately.
- Add sugar to the beaten eggs, then incorporate into the mixture.
- Sift together flour and salt, then add to the mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a buttered loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Turn the bread out of the pan to cool.
- Frost the top before serving if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the nuts lightly before adding them to the mixture. If you don't have candied fruit, you can use dried cranberries or raisins as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar slightly if your dates are particularly sweet. Always ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rise.
Serving Suggestions
This holiday fruit bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of creamy mashed potato casserole for a festive meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Fruit Bread contains roughly 667 calories, with 14g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2519mg per serving (110% 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?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, although it may alter the texture slightly. Gluten-free flour blends can also be used but may require adjustments to the liquid content.
What can I use instead of dates?
If you don't have dates, you can replace them with chopped figs or prunes, which will provide a similar sweetness and texture. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to your taste.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Additionally, the top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
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).