Spiced fruit loaf

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat option.

mixed dried fruit

🥗Healthier: fresh fruit

💰Cheaper: raisins

Raisins are more affordable and still provide sweetness.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are nut-free and cost-effective.

Beat 1 egg in a bowl.

Add 1 cup of milk to the egg.

Mix in 1/4 cup of sugar until dissolved.

Microwave the mixture for about 30 seconds until it reaches around 40°C (104°F).

Add 2 teaspoons of yeast to the lukewarm milk mixture and mix well; set aside for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

In a separate bowl, mix together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon mixed spice powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Add 3 cups of mixed dried fruit and candied peel cake mix to the flour mixture and combine.

Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until combined.

Add 1/4 cup of oil (or softened butter) to the mixture and mix with a KitchenAid mixer on low speed for about 12 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Scrape the dough off the hook onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a ball.

Place the dough ball into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a shower cap, and let it proof for 60 minutes.

After 60 minutes, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knock back the dough to remove gas.

Shape the dough into a sausage to fit a greased 900g (2lb) loaf tin.

Cover the dough with a lightweight cloth and let it rise for another 60 minutes or until it rises 1.5 inches above the tin.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted ovens.

Once risen, bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Glaze the top of the loaf with a 50/50 mix of sugar and water or lemon juice while still hot.

Let the loaf cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens