Maple Fruit And Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful bread packed with dried apricots, dates, and walnuts, sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover apricots with boiling water and let stand for 15 minutes, then drain and chop.
- Mix chopped apricots, chopped dates, and walnuts in a bowl.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add brown sugar and the dried fruit and nut mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- In a small bowl, combine egg and milk, then add maple syrup and stir into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into two well-greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans.
- Let the batter stand for 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the loaves for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using whole wheat flour mixed with all-purpose flour. If you’re out of maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can work as substitutes. Ensure that the dried fruits are finely chopped for even distribution. To enhance flavors, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. This recipe is also adaptable; try incorporating nuts like pecans or almonds for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy slices of this Maple Fruit and Nut Bread as a delightful breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt. This bread also makes an excellent base for French toast. Consider browsing more American recipes for additional breakfast ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple Fruit And Nut Bread contains roughly 424 calories, with 8g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1868mg per serving (81% 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?
While you can use fresh fruit, it will change the texture and moisture level of the bread. Dried fruits provide concentrated sweetness and chewiness, which contribute to the final product. If you decide to use fresh fruit, reduce the liquid ingredients slightly to compensate for added moisture.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or too much flour. Be sure to mix until just combined. You can also check the freshness of your baking powder, as old leavening agents can lead to dense baked goods. Adding an extra egg can help lighten the texture as well.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Maple Fruit and Nut Bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon if it doesn't. Adjust the baking time as needed, as gluten-free breads can bake differently than traditional ones.
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).