Imagine filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, studded with sweet, plump dried fruits that promise a burst of flavor in every slice. This Breadmaker Fruit Tea Loaf is not just a recipe; it's a journey into British baking tradition that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this foolproof recipe will have you creating bakery-quality bread right in your own home with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, 3 cups of bread flour, 2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast, and 1/2 cup of mixed dried fruit.
- In a measuring cup, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved. This will help activate the yeast.
- In the breadmaker's baking pan, add the warm water and sugar mixture. Then, add the softened butter, followed by the salt.
- Next, carefully measure and add the bread flour on top of the liquid ingredients. Make sure to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Make a small well in the center of the flour (do not go all the way to the liquid) and add the bread machine yeast into this well. This keeps the yeast separate from the liquid until the kneading process begins.
- Once all the ingredients are in the baking pan, close the lid of the breadmaker securely.
- Select the 'Fruit Bread' or 'Sweet Bread' setting on your breadmaker, depending on the model you have. Set the crust color to your preference (light, medium, or dark).
- Start the breadmaker. It will take approximately 3 hours for the loaf to bake.
- About 5 minutes before the end of the kneading cycle, the breadmaker will beep to indicate it's time to add the dried fruit. Open the lid and carefully add the 1/2 cup of mixed dried fruit into the dough.
- Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the baking pan from the breadmaker using oven mitts, as it will be hot.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the Breadmaker Fruit Tea Loaf and enjoy it plain, with butter, or with your favorite spread.
Tips
- Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Use fresh bread machine yeast for the best rise and texture.
- Measure ingredients precisely - baking is a science!
- If your dried fruit seems dry, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to enhance moisture.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and chopped apricots.
- Clean your breadmaker immediately after use to prevent residue buildup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
