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Soft spiced nut loaf

Featured in Fresh bread hot from the oven.

A dried fruit loaf with a hint of vanilla and warmth from spices. Tastes even better a day later after resting.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 14:59:19 GMT
A sliced dried fruit bread topped with almonds, placed on a plate surrounded by eggs and spices. Pin it
A sliced dried fruit bread topped with almonds, placed on a plate surrounded by eggs and spices. | tastyhush.com

When winter holidays roll around, I can't help but make my spiced dried fruit bread. The smells coming from my oven take me back to childhood winter mornings. I came up with this one day in my kitchen when I wanted something cozy and special for the season.

A wonderful bread that brings joy

What I love most about this bread is how different textures come together. The soft dried fruits, crunchy almonds, and those spices that make the whole house smell amazing. I often make it at night so I can enjoy it for breakfast with a nice hot cup of coffee.

What you'll need for this comforting loaf

  • Flour: 250g for a soft, fluffy texture
  • Dried fruits: 200g whatever mix you fancy
  • Almonds: 100g whole and toasted
  • Brown sugar: 80g for caramel-like sweetness
  • Eggs: 2 fresh ones
  • Cinnamon: A spoonful that reminds you of holidays
  • Mixed spice: A spoonful for extra aroma
  • Whole milk: 100ml exactly
  • Melted butter: 100g for richness
  • Yeast: One packet for the right rise
  • Salt: A pinch that makes all the difference
  • Vanilla: A few drops of pure happiness

The kitchen magic begins

Getting the fruits ready
I cut up apricots and prunes, then mix them with raisins and almonds in my big blue bowl.
Bringing the dough together
In my favorite mixing bowl, I combine flour, yeast, spices, sugar, and salt. Then I add eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla until everything looks smooth.
Adding the goodies
I fold in all my dried fruits, stirring gently so they spread out nicely in the mixture.
Baking it just right
My oven heats to 180°C while I pour the mixture into a buttered loaf pan and bake it for 45 minutes of pure kitchen magic.
The tasty waiting game
After cooling, I take the bread out of the pan and wait a full day before eating so all the flavors can really come together.
A fruit loaf decorated with almonds and raisins sits on a plate surrounded by spices. Pin it
A fruit loaf decorated with almonds and raisins sits on a plate surrounded by spices. | tastyhush.com

My little tasty tricks

Sometimes I throw in chocolate chips or swap some fruits for roasted hazelnuts. The bread stays good for days in my tin container and actually gets better with time. The hardest part is not eating it right away!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the dried fruits?
Absolutely, feel free to tweak the mix to your liking. Cranberries, dates, or figs all work beautifully. Just keep the total quantity the same.
→ What's the best way to store it?
Store this loaf in an airtight container or bag for about a week. Flavors get better after a day as everything blends together.
→ Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it slightly before serving.
→ How can I tell it's fully baked?
Stick a knife in the middle, and it should come out clean. The crust should be golden, and the edges will have pulled back slightly from the pan.
→ Can I cut back on sugar?
You can reduce the sugar to 60g since dried fruits already add sweetness. It might taste less sweet but stays soft and moist.

Moist spiced nut bread

This flavorful loaf combines dried fruits and gentle spices for a heartwarming treat that fills your home with festive scents.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Breads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 large eggs.
02 250 g of flour.
03 100 ml of milk.
04 A pinch of salt.
05 1 packet of baking powder.
06 80 g of brown sugar.
07 A teaspoon of vanilla extract.
08 100 g of melted butter.
09 200 g of dried fruits (prunes, apricots, raisins).
10 100 g of whole almonds.
11 A teaspoon of cinnamon.
12 A teaspoon of mixed spices.

Instructions

Step 01

Roughly cut the apricots and prunes, then mix them with raisins and almonds.

Step 02

Combine the flour, spices, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla while stirring until smooth.

Step 03

Gently fold the nut-and-fruit mix into the batter.

Step 04

Pour the mixture into a greased loaf tin. Bake for 45–50 minutes at 180°C. It's ready when a knife slides out clean.

Step 05

Cool completely in the mold before taking it out. Tastes even better the next day.

Notes

  1. The flavors get stronger over time.
  2. A great treat for holiday celebrations.

Tools You'll Need

  • Loaf tin.
  • Oven.
  • Large mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy products.
  • Nuts.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 8 g