Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this fruit and nut loaf! It’s like a warm hug on a plate—so nourishing and packed with flavor, it truly brightens my day. I remember the first time I whipped this up; the sweet aroma of dried fruits and the crunch of nuts wafted through my kitchen, and I knew I’d struck gold. This loaf is not just delicious, but it’s also a powerhouse of nutrients. I love how it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! Trust me, once you take that first bite, the combination of chewy fruits and crunchy nuts will have you coming back for more. And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite fruits and nuts! How great is that?
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your delicious fruit and nut loaf. Make sure to measure everything out before you start; it makes the process so much smoother!
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (I love using a mix of raisins, apricots, and cranberries for a burst of sweetness!)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (Chop up some walnuts, almonds, and pecans for that perfect crunch.)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (This adds a lovely nuttiness and fiber to your loaf.)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (This helps your loaf rise beautifully.)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (The warm spice elevates the flavors, trust me!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (A little salt brings out all the sweetness.)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (Use whichever you prefer for that natural sweetness.)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (This keeps the loaf moist and tender.)
- 2 large eggs (They help bind everything together.)
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk (Feel free to use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option!)
These ingredients come together to create a loaf that’s not only delicious but also packed with good-for-you elements. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s bring this fruit and nut loaf to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a deliciously wholesome loaf in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps your loaf rise perfectly. So, while you’re mixing, the oven is getting toasty!
Prepare the Loaf Pan
Next, grab your loaf pan and grease it well. I like to use a bit of vegetable oil or butter and a sprinkle of flour. This ensures your loaf slides right out when it’s done, leaving no delicious morsel behind!
Mix Dried Fruits and Nuts
In a large bowl, toss together your mixed dried fruits and nuts. This step is key! By mixing them first, you ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the loaf, giving you that delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure to mix these well—this helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices, which is vital for a great rise and flavor!
Whisk Wet Ingredients
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, eggs, and milk. You want everything to be well combined and smooth—this is where the magic happens!
Combine All Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold in the fruit and nut blend. Be careful not to overmix—just fold until combined. This keeps your loaf light and fluffy!
Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be heavenly, trust me!
Cooling and Slicing
Once it’s baked, let your loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important—if you slice it too soon, it might crumble. But once it’s cool, you’re ready to enjoy that delicious slice of fruit and nut loaf!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the goodness packed into each slice of this fruit and nut loaf! It’s not just delicious, but it also brings a healthy punch. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you decide to use. But rest assured, with all those fruits and nuts, you’re getting a wholesome treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts and fruits?
Absolutely! One of the best parts of this fruit and nut loaf is how customizable it is. You can mix and match with your favorite dried fruits—think figs, dates, or even mango! As for the nuts, feel free to swap in cashews, hazelnuts, or whatever you have on hand. The key is to keep the total amounts the same so your loaf turns out just right!
How should I store the fruit and nut loaf?
To keep your fruit and nut loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come back to room temperature before enjoying it again. It’ll taste just as good!
Can I freeze the fruit and nut loaf?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your fruit and nut loaf! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then pop it into a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’ll be just like fresh out of the oven. How convenient is that?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious choice for any time of the day.
- Super easy to make—perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers!
- The combination of chewy fruits and crunchy nuts creates a delightful texture in every bite.
- It’s wonderfully versatile; you can customize it with your favorite fruits and nuts!
- This loaf stays fresh for days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings or snacks.
Tips for Success
Want to elevate your fruit and nut loaf to the next level? Here are my top tips for making sure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Since this loaf relies heavily on the flavors of dried fruits and nuts, use the best quality you can find! Freshly chopped nuts and plump, juicy dried fruits make a world of difference in taste.
- Don’t Skip the Cinnamon: Trust me on this one! A little extra pinch of ground cinnamon not only adds warmth but enhances the overall flavor profile of the loaf.
- Mix Gently: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, fold them together gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that! Just mix until you see no dry flour.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your loaf a few minutes before the suggested bake time. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when it’s done.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can add in spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just remember to keep the total dry ingredient quantities balanced.
- Cool Completely: Let your loaf cool completely before slicing. This helps it set up nicely, making it easier to cut without falling apart.
With these tips, you’ll have a fruit and nut loaf that’s not just good, but absolutely spectacular! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making a delicious fruit and nut loaf, let’s talk about how to enjoy it to the fullest! This loaf is incredibly versatile, and there are so many delightful ways to serve it that will elevate your experience:
- With a Slather of Butter: Nothing beats a warm slice of fruit and nut loaf with a generous spread of butter or a drizzle of honey. It adds that creamy richness that complements the loaf beautifully!
- Pair it with Yogurt: For a wholesome breakfast or snack, serve a slice alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola. It’s a match made in heaven!
- As a Toast: Try toasting a slice and topping it with almond butter or peanut butter. The nutty flavors will harmonize perfectly with the fruits in the loaf!
- With Cheese: If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a slice of sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The sweet and savory combination is truly divine!
- Enjoy with Tea or Coffee: A slice of fruit and nut loaf makes for a delightful afternoon treat when served with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. The flavors blend so well together!
Whichever way you choose to serve your loaf, I promise it will be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with these suggestions, and feel free to share your favorite pairings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious fruit and nut loaf fresh and ready to enjoy later! Proper storage is key to maintaining its wonderful flavors and textures.
First, once your loaf has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps lock in moisture and keeps it from drying out. If you want to keep it for a longer stretch, you can pop it into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, but if you refrigerate it, it can last up to a week. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before you dig in!
If you’ve made a big batch or just want to save some for future cravings, freezing is a great option! Slice the loaf before freezing, so you can easily grab a piece whenever you want a tasty snack. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, and then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. Your fruit and nut loaf will be good in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you prefer a warm slice, you can pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or toast it lightly. This brings back that lovely warmth and enhances all those delicious flavors!
With these storage tips, your fruit and nut loaf will be just as delightful on day five as it was fresh out of the oven. Happy snacking!
Print
Fruit and Nut Loaf: 7 Wholesome Reasons to Bake Today
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nutritious and delicious fruit and nut loaf packed with flavors.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix dried fruits and nuts.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, oil, eggs, and milk.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in fruit and nut mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits and nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: fruit and nut loaf