There’s something wonderfully heartwarming about the aroma of my favorite Fruit and Nut Loaf baking in the oven. The sweet, nutty scent mingles with notes of cinnamon, transporting me to cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. This recipe isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a canvas for creativity, allowing you to personalize it with your favorite nuts and dried fruits. It all began when I needed a wholesome alternative to store-bought snacks—something that would satisfy my sweet tooth without all the guilt.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a breeze of preparation, you can whip up a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a dessert to impress guests. Imagine slicing into that golden, moist bread with chewy cranberries and crunchy walnuts peeking through—talk about a crowd-pleaser! Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe and transform your kitchen into a haven of delicious homemade goodness.
Why You'll Love This Fruit and Nut Loaf
- This Fruit and Nut Loaf is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy days when you want something wholesome without the hassle.
- The delightful combination of sweet fruits and crunchy nuts creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
- With its versatility, you can easily customize this loaf by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the sweetness to fit your preferences.
- The beautiful golden brown exterior and rich textures make this loaf visually appealing, ensuring it will be a hit at any gathering.
Fruit and Nut Loaf Ingredients
• Dive into the wholesome goodness with these simple, yet delicious ingredients!
For the Loaf
- Mixed dried fruits – 2 cups (raisins, apricots, cranberries) – a blend adds sweetness and chewiness.
- Mixed nuts – 1 cup (walnuts, almonds, pecans) – use your favorite nut combination for extra crunch.
- Whole wheat flour – 1 cup – gives the loaf a hearty texture while adding fiber.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon – ensures your loaf rises perfectly for that fluffy bite.
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon – a warm spice that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon – balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- Honey or maple syrup – 1/4 cup – for natural sweetness; choose honey for a richer flavor or maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Vegetable oil – 1/4 cup – keeps the loaf moist; consider coconut oil for a delightful aroma.
- Large eggs – 2 – binds the ingredients together while adding protein.
- Milk or plant-based milk – 1/2 cup – use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free twist.
This Fruit and Nut Loaf is not just a treat; it’s a simple way to indulge in home-baked goodness!
How to Make Fruit and Nut Loaf
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your Fruit and Nut Loaf bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
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Grease a loaf pan, ensuring every inch is covered. This prevents your lovely loaf from sticking and makes for easy removal when it’s time to slice.
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Mix the dried fruits and nuts together in a bowl. This delightful combination will provide bursts of flavor and texture throughout your loaf. Set aside.
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Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures even distribution of flavors and the perfect rise.
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Whisk the honey (or maple syrup), oil, eggs, and milk together in a separate bowl until well blended. This mix will give your loaf its moisture and sweetness.
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Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Then add the fruit and nut mixture, incorporating everything until just mixed—don’t overdo it!
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if needed. Get ready for that irresistible aroma to fill your kitchen!
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your loaf should have a lovely golden brown crust by now.
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Cool the loaf in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to let it cool completely before slicing. Patience pays off!
Optional: Serve warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Fruit and Nut Loaf Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delicious loaf with various flavors and ingredients!
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Nut-Free: Substitute nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch without allergens.
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Spice Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for an aromatic boost that elevates the flavor profile.
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Citrus Zing: Mix in zest from 1 orange or lemon for a refreshing hint of citrus that brightens every bite.
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Add a Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips if you crave a sweet indulgence. They melt beautifully into the loaf, adding decadence!
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Oat Flour: For a gluten-free version, replace whole wheat flour with oat flour, giving the loaf a slightly different texture and flavor. It’s wholesome and gluten-free!
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Decreased Sweetness: Reduce the honey or maple syrup to 2 tablespoons for a less sweet version, making it perfect for pairing with savory spreads.
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Extra Fruit: Toss in some fresh berries or chopped apples to enhance sweetness and add moisture, turning every slice into a juicy delight.
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Heat Factor: If you’re adventurous, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
With these variations, your Fruit and Nut Loaf will always be an exciting treat that caters to your taste preferences and seasonal inspirations!
Make Ahead Options
These Fruit and Nut Loaf preparations are perfect for busy weeknights and can save you valuable time! You can mix the dried fruits and nuts, and even combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the fruit and nut mixture in an airtight container at room temperature, and keep the dry ingredients sealed in the pantry to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to bake, whisk together the wet ingredients, fold everything together, and bake as directed. This method ensures your loaf is just as delicious and moist with minimal effort, allowing you to easily enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss!
How to Store and Freeze Fruit and Nut Loaf
Room Temperature: Store the cooled Fruit and Nut Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and moist.
Fridge: If you want to prolong its life, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week. This helps retain flavor while keeping it safe.
Freezer: For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze pieces separated by parchment paper in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need!
Reheating: To enjoy your loaf warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast it lightly for a crispy edge.
What to Serve with Fruit and Nut Loaf?
Imagine savoring delightful flavors that beautifully enhance each slice of this fruity delight.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast, making it a wonderful breakfast pairing.
- Honey Drizzle: A simple drizzle of honey can elevate the natural sweetness, bringing out the flavors of the fruits and nuts beautifully.
- Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a mix of fresh berries for a burst of brightness and freshness that balances the richness of the loaf.
- Cinnamon Butter: Whip up some cinnamon butter to slather on top for a delightful twist that enhances the loaf’s cozy flavors.
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea complements the loaf perfectly, making for a relaxing afternoon treat.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Add some creamy chia seed pudding for a nutritious pairing that keeps the meal light and wholesome.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a dessert feel, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—heavenly contrasts of warm and cold.
- Almond Milk Smoothie: A refreshing almond milk smoothie can round out the meal, offering a nutty flavor that mirrors the nuts in the loaf.
- Coffee or Latte: A rich cup of coffee or a frothy latte pairs excellently, enhancing those warm cinnamon notes beautifully.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making your Fruit and Nut Loaf, ensure you mix the dried fruits and nuts well to distribute them evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor in every slice.
- Avoid overmixing the wet and dry ingredients; this can lead to a denser loaf instead of a light and fluffy texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter loaf, feel free to add a bit more honey or maple syrup, but remember to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
- For the best results, use a toothpick to test for doneness a few minutes before the minimum baking time to ensure your loaf is perfectly baked without overdoing it.
Fruit and Nut Loaf Recipe FAQs
Which dried fruits are best for Fruit and Nut Loaf?
Absolutely! I recommend using a mix of raisins, apricots, and cranberries. Each fruit brings its own sweetness and chewiness, enhancing the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with figs or dates for added richness!
How should I store my Fruit and Nut Loaf?
Very simply! Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week. This method helps retain moistness while preserving its delightful taste.
Can I freeze my Fruit and Nut Loaf?
Certainly! To freeze your loaf, slice it into individual pieces, placing parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking. Then, store them in a freezer-safe bag and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits!
What should I do if the loaf comes out too dense?
Oh no! If your Fruit and Nut Loaf turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using old baking powder. Try mixing ingredients until just combined next time to maintain that light, fluffy texture. If you suspect your baking powder is old, swap it for a fresh batch to ensure proper rising.
Is there a nut-free option for this recipe?
The more the merrier! If you need a nut-free option, simply substitute the mixed nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They’ll add a lovely crunch and ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful loaf without worry about allergies!
Can my pets have any part of this loaf?
It’s best to keep this loaf away from pets. Ingredients like raisins and certain nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats. Always ensure they have access to pet-safe treats instead, so they stay healthy and happy!
Equipment
- Loaf pan
Ingredients
For the Loaf
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits raisins, apricots, cranberries
- 1 cup mixed nuts walnuts, almonds, pecans
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup choose honey for a richer flavor or maple syrup for a vegan option
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil consider coconut oil for a delightful aroma
- 2 large eggs binds the ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free twist
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan, ensuring every inch is covered.
- Mix the dried fruits and nuts together in a bowl.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl.
- Whisk the honey (or maple syrup), oil, eggs, and milk together in a separate bowl.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then add the fruit and nut mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
