Plum Strawberry Bread
A rich, fruity loaf combining the sweetness of strawberries, plums, and prunes with warm spices and nuts, perfect for teatime or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins, brandy or grape juice and enough water to cover raisins in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer, then cool and drain.
- Grease and flour three 5 x 9-inch loaf pans or muffins.
- Mash or chop strawberries.
- Combine strawberries with remaining wet ingredients and stir.
- Combine with dry ingredients and mix well.
- Divide the batter evenly among the pans.
- Bake for about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark raisins instead of regular ones. You can substitute the brandy with apple juice for a non-alcoholic option. If you don't have plums, try using applesauce to maintain moisture. Ensure you thoroughly mash the strawberries to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the batter. For a hint of nutty flavor, you might add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Plum Strawberry Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or snack. You might enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving it with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. For dessert, it complements well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread, wrapped well, for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the toaster or microwave until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plum Strawberry Bread contains roughly 764 calories, with 12g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 624mg per serving (27% 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 make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this Plum Strawberry Bread vegan by substituting the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based butter alternative and ensure that your brandy or grape juice is vegan-friendly. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the bread?
To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by up to half a cup, especially if your plums and strawberries are very ripe. Alternatively, you can add a bit of honey or maple syrup, but remember to decrease the liquid slightly to maintain the batter's consistency.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds can enhance the texture and flavor of the bread. Just fold them in gently with the dry ingredients to ensure an even distribution without overmixing the batter.
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).