Fruit Bread

Warm, fruity, and oh-so comforting – there’s something undeniably special about a freshly baked loaf of fruit bread that fills your home with its sweet and irresistible aroma. Whether enjoyed for breakfast with a dollop of creamy butter or for an afternoon treat with a cup of tea, this classic recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With a perfect balance of tender crumb, bursting with juicy fruit, this fruit bread is bound to delight your taste buds and bring a cozy touch to any occasion.

**Fruit Bread**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Dust the pan with a little flour to ensure easy release of the bread once baked.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set the dry ingredients aside.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, in three additions. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are fine.

6. Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.

8. Bake the fruit bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs attached.

9. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Slice the fruit bread once completely cooled and serve it as desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

With its delightful blend of comforting spices, sweet dried fruit, and crunchy nuts, this fruit bread recipe is a wonderful addition to any baker’s collection. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, this loaf is bound to bring warmth and joy to your home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the aroma of this delightful fruit bread fill your kitchen with love and happiness!