Fruit and Nut Holiday Bread
Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with this delightful Fruit and Nut Christmas Bread. Packed with an array of dried fruits and nuts, this bread is a perfect addition to your holiday table or a thoughtful homemade gift.
Equipment
- For the Fruit Soaker:
- 100g mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.)
- 50g chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.)
- 50ml rum or orange juice 🍊🥃
- For the Dough:
- 500g bread flour
- 10g salt
- 7g instant yeast
- 300ml warm milk ☕
- 50g sugar
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- Fruit soaker mixture 🍇🥜
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg 🥚
- 1 tablespoon milk 🥛
Ingredients
- For the Fruit Soaker:
- 100 g mixed dried fruits raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.
- 50 g chopped nuts walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.
- 50 ml rum or orange juice 🍊🥃
- For the Dough:
- 500 g bread flour
- 10 g salt
- 7 g instant yeast
- 300 ml warm milk ☕
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g unsalted butter softened
- Fruit soaker mixture 🍇🥜
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg 🥚
- 1 tablespoon milk 🥛
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Soaker:
- Combine the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts in a bowl.
- Pour rum or orange juice over the mixture and stir well. Let it soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Mixing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture and softened butter to the flour mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Gently fold in the soaked fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shaping and Second Rise:
- Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and gently deflate it.
- Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions for mini loaves.
- Place the shaped dough in greased loaf pans or on a baking sheet.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size again.
- Preheat and Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make the egg wash.
- Brush the risen dough with the egg wash, gently covering the top.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes for mini loaves, or 35-40 minutes for larger loaves, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cooling:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Enjoy:
Notes
This bread is a wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations, capturing the warmth and flavors of Christmas in every bite. Happy baking and happy holidays!