Spicy Peach Or Apricot Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful nut bread infused with the sweetness of peaches or apricots and a hint of spice, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Generously grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch or an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cloves, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and softened butter until well blended.
- Drain the sliced peaches or apricot halves, reserving 1/2 cup of syrup.
- Stir the reserved syrup into the egg mixture.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, drained fruit, and raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake 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, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients. If you prefer using fresh peaches or apricots, use about 2 cups, diced, and adjust the syrup accordingly. You can substitute walnuts or pecans for the chopped nuts based on your preference, or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with a dollop of cream cheese or whipped butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, try serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spicy Peach or Apricot Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Peach Or Apricot Nut Bread contains roughly 609 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% 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 frozen fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches or apricots! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter, and reduce the reserved syrup accordingly to maintain the right moisture level in the bread.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for each egg. This will help maintain the moisture and binding properties the eggs provide, making it suitable for vegetarian recipes.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s browning too fast on top, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil towards the end of the baking time.
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).