Description
This delicious Fruit and Nut Loaf is a moist, wholesome bread perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with mixed dried fruits and nuts, it offers a flavorful combination of spices and natural sweetness. The loaf is easy to prepare and bakes to a golden perfection, creating a delightful treat that’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk (as needed for consistency)
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chopped mixed dried fruits (such as apricots, cranberries, raisins, or dates)
- ¾ cup chopped mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then add the vegetable oil, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract, mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to form a batter. Fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts evenly throughout. If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it for better mixing.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- The loaf’s flavors deepen when allowed to rest overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
- Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Feel free to substitute dried fruit and nuts based on preference or availability.
- Ensure the loaf is completely cooled before slicing to maintain its structure.
