Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250 ml lukewarm milk
• 4 Tbsp (50g) sugar
• 2 tsp (6g) instant dry yeast
• 2 Tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 egg
• 550g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (4g) salt

For the Filling and Topping:

• 4 Tbsp butter (softened)
• Dried cranberries (to taste, usually about 1/2 cup)
• Raisins (to taste, about 1/2 cup)
• Chopped walnuts (to taste, about 1/4 cup)
• 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
• 1 Tbsp milk (for glazing)

Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (not including rising time)
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rising time)
• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180 kcal per slice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the instant dry yeast over the top. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become bubbly.
2. Once the yeast is foamy, add the sunflower oil, egg, salt, and flour to the bowl. Begin mixing until the dough comes together. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients into a dough.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. The goal is a smooth, soft dough that’s easy to work with.
4. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Add the Fillings

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help the filling stick and create a beautiful golden crust after baking.
3. Sprinkle the dried cranberries, raisins, and chopped walnuts evenly over the buttered dough. These dried fruits and nuts will add a wonderful mix of sweetness and texture to every bite.
4. Carefully roll the dough up from one edge to form a tight log. Pinch the edges of the dough to seal the roll, ensuring that the filling stays inside.

3. Shape and Rise Again

1. Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, shaping it gently to fit. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until it’s puffed and nearly doubled in size.

4. Egg Yolk Glaze

1. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 Tbsp milk to create a glaze for the bread. This will give the bread a golden, shiny finish once baked.
3. After the dough has risen, gently brush the egg yolk mixture over the top of the loaf, covering it evenly. This step is crucial for the visual appeal of the bread, giving it a beautiful golden crust that will make it irresistible.

5. Baking

1. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature of the bread should be about 90°C (190°F) when fully baked.
2. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the sweet holiday fruit bread into thick slices and enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or toasted with a pat of butter. The bread has a soft, fluffy texture with the perfect amount of sweetness from the fruit and nuts, and a hint of butter that elevates the flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 12 g

FAQs

Q: Can I use other dried fruits instead of cranberries and raisins?
A: Absolutely! You can use dried apricots, cherries, or even dried figs as a substitute. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they blend well with the dough.

Q: Can I make this bread without nuts?
A: Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version of this bread. You can also replace the nuts with other ingredients like chocolate chips or sunflower seeds.

Q: How do I store leftover fruit bread?
A: Store leftover fruit bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

Q: Can I prepare this dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sweet Holiday Fruit Bread

1. Use Lukewarm Milk: Make sure the milk is lukewarm (around 110°F or 45°C), not hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
2. Knead Well: Kneading the dough is crucial for creating the soft, airy texture. If you’re unsure, knead for at least 10 minutes to ensure the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Don’t Skip the Egg Yolk Glaze: The egg yolk glaze adds a beautiful sheen to the bread and makes the loaf more visually appealing.
4. Let the Bread Cool Before Slicing: It’s tempting to slice the bread right away, but allowing it to cool slightly will help it set properly, making it easier to slice without it becoming too crumbly.

Conclusion

Sweet Holiday Fruit Bread is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. From the moment you combine the ingredients, the dough comes together and rises to form a beautiful, soft loaf. The addition of dried cranberries, raisins, and walnuts adds a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making each bite satisfying and indulgent. The golden crust, created by the egg yolk glaze, adds a professional touch to your homemade bread, making it feel as though you’ve spent hours perfecting it.

Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or during the holidays, this fruit bread is sure to delight. Its timeless appeal is rooted in the warmth of homemade baking and the comforting flavors of fruit, butter, and nuts. It’s a recipe that will be passed down through generations, filling homes with the delicious scent of freshly baked bread and creating moments of joy for those who are lucky enough to enjoy it. So go ahead, bake this bread, share it with loved ones, and savor the sweetness of the season!