Fruit loaf
This fruit loaf is so simple to make and when its baked smells amazing. Simply slice and spread generously with some butter and can either be toasted the next day.
Fruit loaf
Ingredients
- 450 g strong plain white flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground mixed spice
- 4 tbsp caster sugar
- 225 g currants or sultanas
- 1 sachet of dried yeast (7g)
- 50 g unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 225 ml warm milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
To Glaze
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Optional
- 50 g mixed candied peel, if you like extra fruit in your loaf
Instructions
- In a large bowl add the flour, salt, spice, sugar, currants, (peel if using) and yeast.
- Add the cubed butter on the top. In the meantime gently heat the milk so that's it warm, but not boiled. Gently pour over the top of the butter to help it melt in. Add the egg and mix together.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Place in a floured bowl, covered with either lightly oiled cling film or a clean tea towel. Leave somewhere warm until doubles in size.
- Knock back and knead until smooth. Place in a light greased 900g (2lb) loaf tin. Leave somewhere warm for a further 30mins.
- Pre heat the oven to 200°c / gas 6. Glaze with the other beaten egg and bake for 40mins.