7 Delicious Fruit Breads To Bake This Christmas

The aroma of freshly baked fruit bread wafting from the oven is a surefire way to get anyone in the holiday spirit. As Christmas approaches, many of us are on the lookout for delicious and festive treats to share with loved ones. Fruit breads are a perfect choice, offering a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the warmth and comfort of a homemade treat. In this article, we'll explore seven mouth-watering fruit bread recipes to bake this Christmas.

Baking fruit breads during the holiday season is a great way to create a cozy atmosphere and make your home feel welcoming. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices will transport you to a winter wonderland, while the sweetness of the fruits will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are sure to become a new holiday tradition.

The Magic of Fruit Breads

Fruit breads have been a staple of holiday baking for centuries, with each region and culture offering its unique twist. From the traditional panettone of Italy to the stollen of Germany, fruit breads are a delicious way to celebrate the season. The key to a great fruit bread is the combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the textures of various fruits and nuts.

In this article, we'll explore seven delicious fruit bread recipes to bake this Christmas. From classic combinations to innovative twists, these recipes are sure to inspire your holiday baking.

Recipe 1: Cranberry Orange Bread

This refreshing bread combines the sweetness of orange zest with the tanginess of cranberries. Perfect for a Christmas morning breakfast or as a snack for Santa.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine cranberries, orange zest, and juice.
4. Add sugar, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the cranberry mixture.
6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Recipe 2: Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This moist bread features a delicious apple cinnamon swirl, perfect for a Christmas morning treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup diced apples
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add diced apples and cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Recipe 3: Pomegranate Walnut Bread

This flavorful bread combines the sweetness of pomegranate seeds with the crunch of walnuts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add pomegranate seeds and walnuts to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

More Delicious Fruit Breads to Try

In addition to the recipes above, here are four more delicious fruit breads to try this Christmas:

Recipe 4: Pear Gingerbread

This moist bread combines the sweetness of pears with the spice of gingerbread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup diced pears
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add diced pears and ginger to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Recipe 5: Apricot Pistachio Bread

This flavorful bread combines the sweetness of apricots with the crunch of pistachios.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup diced apricots
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add diced apricots and pistachios to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Recipe 6: Cherry Chocolate Chip Bread

This decadent bread combines the sweetness of cherries with the richness of dark chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add dried cherries and dark chocolate chips to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Recipe 7: Lemon Blueberry Bread

This refreshing bread combines the brightness of lemon zest with the sweetness of blueberries.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add blueberries and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

We hope these seven delicious fruit bread recipes inspire your holiday baking. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are sure to become a new holiday tradition. So go ahead, get baking, and make this Christmas one to remember!