Mary Berry'S Irresistible Fruit Loaf Recipe Revealed!

Mary Berry, the beloved baking queen of the UK, has once again enchanted our taste buds with her Irresistible Fruit Loaf Recipe! 🍞✨ This delightful recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it during afternoon tea, serving it at a family gathering, or simply indulging yourself. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation steps, and some helpful tips to make your fruit loaf as scrumptious as possible!

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Ingredients You Will Need 🍒🍊

To create Mary Berry's irresistible fruit loaf, you will need the following ingredients:

Important Note: Feel free to customize the dried mixed fruit according to your preferences. You can use raisins, currants, cranberries, or apricots.

Preparation Steps 🍽️

Step 1: Soaking the Fruits

Start by soaking the dried mixed fruits in warm water for about 30 minutes. This step will plump up the fruit and enhance its flavor. After soaking, drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Making the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, instant yeast, salt, brown sugar, and ground mixed spice. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, beaten egg, and drained fruits. Gradually pour in 300ml of warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Kneading

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten in the bread, giving it a lovely texture.

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Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or cling film, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shaping the Loaf

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface, then shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf into a greased loaf tin (approximately 2lb capacity).

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Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it rises above the edge of the tin. This second rise is essential for achieving that fluffy texture.

Step 7: Baking

Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C) or 375°F. Once the loaf has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If it browns too quickly, cover it with foil.

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Step 8: Cooling

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions 🍰

Mary Berry's fruit loaf is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with butter, cheese, or even a drizzle of honey for added flavor. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat! ☕

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Tips for the Perfect Fruit Loaf 📝

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: The quality of the dried fruits and nuts you choose will significantly impact the final flavor of your loaf. Opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients whenever possible.

2. Experiment with Spices: While Mary uses mixed spice, you can try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

3. Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, wrap the loaf tightly in cling film and store it in an airtight container. It should last for about 3-4 days at room temperature.

4. Freezing: You can freeze the fruit loaf for up to 3 months. Just slice it before freezing, so you can take out individual pieces as needed.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe 🌟

Mary Berry's Irresistible Fruit Loaf is more than just a delightful treat; it's also a wonderful way to explore baking! The aroma that fills your kitchen while the loaf is baking will have everyone in the house rushing to the kitchen. Plus, this recipe is perfect for those who want to impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Baking this fruit loaf is also a great opportunity to bond with loved ones. Invite friends over for a baking session or teach your kids the joy of making homemade bread. 🍞❤️

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By following Mary Berry’s time-tested recipe, you are not just making a loaf of bread; you're creating memories that will last a lifetime! The combination of textures and flavors in this fruit loaf makes it an all-time favorite that can be enjoyed year-round.

With its beautiful golden crust and soft, flavorful interior, Mary Berry's Irresistible Fruit Loaf will soon become a staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and get ready to bake the most delicious fruit loaf ever! 🎉🥳

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