No-Knead Fruit and Nut Bread: Your New Favorite Artisan Loaf
If you’ve been searching for a no-knead fruit and nut bread that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, your journey ends here! Picture this: a heartwarming loaf that’s bursting with flavor, effortlessly combines wholesome ingredients, and manages to look as impressive as anything you’d buy at a bakery. Perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or an eye-catching addition to your next brunch spread, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This No-Knead Fruit and Nut Bread
Let’s face it—life gets busy. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or both, finding time for baking can feel like another item on your never-ending to-do list. But this no-knead fruit and nut bread simplifies everything! With just a bit of patience (don’t worry, you can totally binge-watch your favorite show while it rises), you’ll have a delicious loaf filled with dried fruits and crunchy nuts ready to share—or keep all to yourself. Trust me; I won’t judge!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s the simple lineup of ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delightful bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or whatever you prefer!)
- 1 cup dried fruits (apricots, raisins, or even cranberries)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness
Let’s Get Started!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Give it a gentle stir to mix them well.
Add the Water: Gradually pour in the warm water. Trust me, you’ll want to mix this with a wooden spoon or your hands until all the flour is fully incorporated.
Add the Fun Stuff: Fold in the mixed nuts and dried fruits. If you’re feeling daring, toss in a pinch of cinnamon for a little extra flavor.
Let It Rise: Cover your bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours. Yes, it’s that easy!
Shape Your Dough: Once the dough has bubbled up and doubled in size, sprinkle a bit of flour on your countertop and gently shape the dough into a round loaf. Don’t worry about it being perfect—the rustic look is part of its charm!
Second Rise: Transfer it to a floured area, cover it, and let it rest for another hour.
Preheat Your Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F. And if you have a Dutch oven, toss that in there too! (It’s like the best friend your bread never knew it needed.)
Bake Away: With the oven ready, carefully remove the Dutch oven, place your dough inside, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. And oh boy, that aroma… it’ll make your neighbors envious!
Cooking Tips
- No Dutch Oven, No Problem: If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a baking stone or a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid will work just fine! Just keep an eye on it while it bakes.
- Dried Fruits Variety: Feel free to mix and match your dried fruits for a custom flavor experience. Tropical prawns? Go for mango! Feeling fancy? Dried figs will elevate your loaf to another level.
- Storing Leftovers: This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (which may not happen), it can be stored in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for later!
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in this no-knead fruit and nut bread?
Absolutely! If you’re out of nuts, you can leave them out or swap them for seeds.
How can I store leftovers?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. It should last for a few days, but trust me, you may want to eat it all right away!
Final Thoughts
This no-knead fruit and nut bread is not just a recipe; it’s a delicious journey that celebrates the simplicity of baking with wholesome ingredients. Whether you choose to share it with loved ones or enjoy a slice all on your own with a big cup of coffee, it’s bound to bring joy and warmth to your day. So roll up those sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s create something wonderful—because heaven knows we all deserve a little homemade goodness!
Ready for more adventures in the kitchen? Check out my easy brunch ideas for inspiration that’ll bring smiles all around the table!
Meta Description: No-Knead Fruit and Nut Bread is the perfect recipe for a quick, easy, and delicious homemade treat. This loaf will become your go-to!
No-Knead Fruit and Nut Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Give it a gentle stir to mix them well.
- Gradually pour in the warm water. Mix until all the flour is fully incorporated.
- Fold in the mixed nuts and dried fruits. Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours.
- Once the dough has bubbled up and doubled in size, sprinkle a bit of flour on your countertop and gently shape the dough into a round loaf.
- Transfer it to a floured area, cover it, and let it rest for another hour.
- About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F, placing a Dutch oven inside as well.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, place your dough inside, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.