Description
A moist and flavorful Fruit and Nut Loaf packed with a variety of dried fruits and crunchy nuts, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or a satisfying snack. This quick bread combines warm spices and natural sweetness for a deliciously comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice or water
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit (such as apricots, cranberries, raisins, or dates)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, plain yogurt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Prepare Fruit and Nuts: Toss the chopped dried fruit with the orange juice in a small bowl to plump and flavor the fruit, then fold it gently into the batter along with the chopped nuts.
- Fill Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to serve.
Notes
- This loaf keeps well for several days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- You can customize this recipe by mixing and matching your favorite dried fruits and nuts.
- Adding orange zest can enhance the brightness of the flavors in the loaf.
