Best Traditional Holiday Fruit Bread Recipes

NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS BREAD

Norwegian Christmas Bread image

When my husband became a minister for a church in an area populated with Norwegians, my father-in-law was delighted because I had easy access to recipes he enjoyed as a child. This is a traditional Christmas bread, but I make it for any holiday we get together. -Deborah Petersen, Princeton, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 2 loaves.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3-3/4 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup diced citron or mixed candied fruit

Steps:

In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, egg, butter, salt, cardamom and 2 cups flour; mix well. Stir in raisins, citron and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to greased top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down; divide in half. Shape each portion into a flattened ball. Place in two greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts :

CANDIED FRUIT BREAD

Candied Fruit Bread image

This is a great bread for tea at Christmas time when you don't like to make fruitcake. It is an old recipe that belonged to my mother, and really good.

Provided by Carol

Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes Fruit Bread Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ cup white sugar
¼ cup chopped candied citron
¼ cup currants
2 tablespoons chopped candied cherries
2 tablespoons chopped candied lemon peel
¼ cup chopped blanched almonds
¼ cup chopped pecans

Steps:

Grease an 8x5-inch loaf tin thoroughly. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Beat eggs in a medium bowl. Add milk and melted butter; mix well.
Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, prepared fruits and nuts, and mix well. Add egg mixture to fruit and nut mixture, stirring just enough to blend. Pour batter into the greased loaf tin. Let stand for 20 minutes.
Place pan in center of oven on middle rack. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Turn out on wire rack, and allow to cool for several hours before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 482.4 calories, Carbohydrate 80.1 g, Cholesterol 80.5 mg, Fat 15 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 9.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 638.2 mg, Sugar 36.4 g