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Traditional German Fruit Bread

This traditional German fruit bread (Früchtebrot) combines a delightful mix of dried fruits and spices for a comforting, holiday treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the bread rise for a light texture.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warm, comforting flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Enhances the spice profile.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness of the bread.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup warm milk Activates the yeast; dairy-free alternatives work too.
  • ¼ cup sugar Honey or maple syrup are good substitutes.
  • 1 package active dry yeast Provides leavening.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter Can be replaced with oil for a dairy-free option.
Fruits and Nuts
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits Choose favorites like apricots, cherries, or figs for added flavor.
  • ½ cup mixed nuts Like almonds and walnuts for crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.
  3. Once the yeast has activated, stir in melted butter. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and combine until a dough forms.
  4. Gently fold in your choice of dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
  1. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Second Rise
  1. After rising, punch down the dough to release air and shape it into a loaf.
  2. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes, until notably risen.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow when tapped.
  2. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Slice and serve!

Notes

Use fresh yeast for better rise and flavor. Allow adequate rising time for a fluffy texture. Experiment with different spices for variety.