Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No-Knead Method: Simplifies the baking process, requiring minimal effort and no special equipment.
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Flavorful and Fruity: Loaded with a variety of dried fruits and spices, offering a rich and satisfying taste.
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Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, as a snack, or toasted with a bit of butter.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Bread Dough:
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Flour
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Warm water
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Instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
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Salt
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Butter
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Sugar
For the Dry Fruit Mix:
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Cranberries
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Raisins
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Currants
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Dried whole cherries (optional)
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Cinnamon powder (optional)
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Cardamom powder (optional)
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Nutmeg powder (optional)
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Vanilla sugar or extract (optional)
Note: Specific measurements are not provided, allowing you to adjust quantities based on personal taste preferences.
Directions
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Prepare the Dough:
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In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to dissolve.
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Add melted butter to the mixture.
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Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Ensure no dry patches remain.
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First Proofing:
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
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Let the dough rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
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Incorporate Dry Fruits:
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Gently deflate the dough and fold in the dried fruits and spices.
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Shape the dough into a rectangle matching the length of your loaf pan.
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Shape and Second Proofing:
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Roll the dough into a log and place it into a greased loaf pan.
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Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until it rises slightly, about 1 hour.
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Bake:
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Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature.
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Bake the loaf until golden brown.
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Cool:
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Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool before slicing.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 1 loaf
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Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes (excluding rising times)
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: Around 3 hours and 20 minutes (including rising times)
Variations
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Dry Fruits: Feel free to customize the mix based on your preferences or what you have available.
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Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your taste or omit them entirely for a different flavor profile.
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Sweetness: Modify the sugar quantity according to your desired level of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Once cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the white flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will result in a denser loaf.
Is it necessary to use all the spices listed?
No, the spices are optional. Use the ones you prefer or have on hand.
Can I add nuts to the fruit bread?
Certainly! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and flavor.
How can I make the bread sweeter?
Increase the amount of sugar in the dough or add a sweet glaze on top after baking.
Can I make this bread without yeast?
This recipe relies on yeast for leavening. For a yeast-free version, you would need to find a different recipe that uses baking powder or soda.
Conclusion
This Easy No-Knead Fruit Bread combines convenience with delightful flavors, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, toasted with a bit of butter, or as a base for delicious French toast.
Easy No-Knead Fruit Bread
This Easy No-Knead Fruit Bread is a flavorful, fuss-free loaf packed with dried fruits and aromatic spices. With its soft texture and rich taste, it’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or toasted with butter. The no-knead method simplifies the process, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
- Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes (excluding rising times)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: Around 3 hours and 20 minutes (including rising times)
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Bread, Snack
- Method: No-Knead
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
Flour
Warm water
Instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
Salt
Butter
Sugar
For the Dry Fruit Mix:
Cranberries
Raisins
Currants
Dried whole cherries (optional)
Cinnamon powder (optional)
Cardamom powder (optional)
Nutmeg powder (optional)
Vanilla sugar or extract (optional)
Note: Specific measurements are not provided, so adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
-
In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to dissolve.
-
Add melted butter to the mixture.
-
Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms and ensuring no dry patches remain.
-
-
First Proofing:
-
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
-
Let the dough rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
-
-
Incorporate Dry Fruits:
-
Gently deflate the dough and fold in the dried fruits and spices.
-
Shape the dough into a rectangle that matches the length of your loaf pan.
-
-
Shape and Second Proofing:
-
Roll the dough into a log and place it into a greased loaf pan.
-
Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it has risen slightly.
-
-
Bake:
-
Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature.
-
Bake the loaf for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
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Cool:
-
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool before slicing.
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Notes
Dry Fruits: Customize the dried fruit mix based on your preferences or what you have available.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking or omit them for a milder flavor.
Sweetness: Modify the sugar amount to your desired level of sweetness.