Apricot orange cranberry bread is a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snack. This bread recipe is a unique twist on traditional fruit bread recipes, as it contains the perfect balance of three different flavors - apricot, orange, and cranberry.
Ingredients
To make apricot orange cranberry bread, you will need the following ingredients:
Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients - flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients - milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest. Mix well.
Step 4: Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gradually, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots and dried cranberries into the batter.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
Step 7: Bake the bread for about 50-60 minutes, or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool down for about 10-15 minutes. After that, remove it from the pan, slice and serve.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to change up the flavor or texture:
1. Nutty Apricot Orange Cranberry Bread:
Add 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans or walnuts, to the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor addition.
2. Cream Cheese Filled Apricot Orange Cranberry Bread:
Cut the cooled loaf into horizontal slices and spread a layer of softened cream cheese in the middle before closing it back up.
3. Glazed Apricot Orange Cranberry Bread:
Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons orange juice together in a bowl until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled bread.
Conclusion
Apricot orange cranberry bread is a delicious and easy recipe for breakfast, brunch or a snack. The combination of the three different flavors creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart in each bite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a freshly baked slice of bread any time of the day.
Valuable Tips When Making Apricot Orange Cranberry Bread Recipes
Baking bread is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that can also be challenging. Apricot orange cranberry bread is a delicious and flavorful treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. However, to make the perfect loaf of bread, you need to follow some valuable tips that will help you get a soft, moist, flavorful, and perfectly risen loaf. In this article, we will discuss some of the most valuable tips that you need to follow when making apricot orange cranberry bread recipes.
Tips
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
The first and foremost important thing to consider when making apricot orange cranberry bread is the freshness of the ingredients. Be sure to use fresh flour, cranberries, and apricots. Do not use expired or stale ingredients as it will affect the quality and taste of your bread.
2. Use the Right Flour
Using the right type of flour is also essential when baking bread. Bread flour is the best option for making bread. It contains a high amount of gluten that is essential for creating the right structure, texture, and rise for your bread. It is also essential to sift the flour before using it to remove any lumps or impurities.
3. Choose the Right Yeast
There are two types of yeast available in the market, active dry yeast, and instant yeast. Active dry yeast requires to be mixed with warm water to activate and start growing. On the other hand, instant yeast can be mixed directly with the flour. If you are using active dry yeast, be sure to proof it to ensure that it is active and alive.
4. Don't Overwork the Dough
When making the dough, it is essential not to overwork it. Overworking the dough can cause it to become tough and chewy. Be gentle when kneading the dough and do not overmix it. Once the dough is formed, let it rest for about 10 minutes before shaping it.
5. Add in the Dried Fruits
When adding in the dried fruits, such as cranberries and apricots, be sure to mix them in gently. Do not overmix as it will cause the dough to become dense.
6. Proof the Dough at the Right Temperature
The temperature of the room plays an important role in the proofing process. The dough needs to be proofed at a warm temperature to rise correctly. The ideal temperature for proofing is between 75-80°F. If the room is cooler, it will take longer for the dough to rise.
7. Use the Right Loaf Pan
The size and shape of the loaf pan can also affect the quality of your bread. Use a 9x5-inch loaf pan for making apricot orange cranberry bread. A non-stick loaf pan is the best option as it prevents the bread from sticking to the bottom.
8. Let the Bread Cool Completely
Once the bread is baked, let it cool completely before slicing it. Cutting into the bread while it is still hot can cause it to become dense and gummy.
Conclusion
Making apricot orange cranberry bread is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. By following these valuable tips, you can ensure that you will get a soft, moist, flavorful, and perfectly risen loaf of bread. Remember to use fresh ingredients, the right flour, the right yeast, do not overwork the dough, proof at the right temperature, use the right loaf pan, and let the bread cool completely before slicing it. Happy baking!
