Are you looking to bring a taste of Austrian Christmas tradition into your home this holiday season? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Fruchtbrot, a classic fruit bread that is not only delicious but also fills your home with the warm aromas of the season. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this festive treat is sure to become a favorite in your holiday recipe repertoire.
Fruchtbrot Fruit Bread
Ingredients:
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 cup dried figs, chopped
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 cup rum
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the raisins, dried apricots, figs, cranberries, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and brown sugar. Mix well to ensure the fruits are evenly distributed.
2. Pour the rum over the fruit mixture and let it soak overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together and the fruits to absorb the moisture.
3. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Add the orange zest and mix until well combined.
5. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in the soaked fruit and nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
10. Allow the Fruchtbrot to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This Fruchtbrot Fruit Bread is a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, with a hint of warm spices that evoke the holiday season. The combination of dried fruits and nuts, soaked in rum, creates a moist and flavorful bread that is great for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve it alongside a spread of cheeses and preserves for a festive treat that will impress your guests.
Prepare this recipe ahead of time, as the flavors deepen and meld together when allowed to sit, making it even more delicious as time passes. You can also wrap the Fruchtbrot in parchment paper and tie it with a festive ribbon to give as a thoughtful homemade gift to family and friends. Whether you enjoy it yourself or share it with others, this Austrian Christmas baking recipe is sure to add a touch of warmth and cheer to your holiday season.
