Ingredients
For this scrumptious fruit and nut bread, you'll need: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 ½ cups of white sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 cups of diced apples, 1 cup of raisins, ½ cup of chopped walnuts, ½ cup of chopped dates, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, apples, raisins, walnuts, dates, and orange zest. Then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until everything is just combined. Divide the batter between the two greased loaf pans, and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean.
Nutrition
Fruit and nut bread is a great source of energy and nutrition. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, it contains dietary fiber, which helps to keep you full for longer periods of time and can aid in weight loss. The nuts and dried fruits provide a good source of healthy fats and protein, which will help to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Finally, the combination of apples, raisins, dates, and walnuts will provide a variety of antioxidants, which can help to protect your body from free radical damage.
Serving Suggestions
Fruit and nut bread is a great snack or breakfast option. Serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for a delicious and nutritious start to your day. You can also use it as a base for a tasty sandwich or as a topping for a salad. You can even use it to make French toast or a delicious bread pudding. The possibilities are endless!
Storage and Shelf Life
Fruit and nut bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, simply place in the refrigerator overnight.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can always substitute the apples for any other type of diced fruit such as pears or bananas. You can also substitute the raisins and dates with dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries. Additionally, you can substitute the walnuts with any other type of nut such as almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds.
Conclusion
Fruit and nut bread is a delicious and nutritious treat that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own personal tastes. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a hearty breakfast, this tasty bread is sure to please. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking!