Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts

If you’ve been craving a bread that’s as wholesome as it is delicious, look no further than this Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts. Imagine pulling a warm, golden-brown loaf from the oven, its soft interior flecked with plump raisins, dried figs, and crunchy walnuts—such a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This bread is packed with rich Mediterranean flavors, combining the earthy goodness of whole grains, the natural sweetness of dried fruits, and the satisfying crunch of nuts. Whether you’re serving it as a side to dinner, making sandwiches, or enjoying a slice with a cup of tea, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to bake it over and over again!

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts

This isn’t just any ordinary bread. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

A Taste of the Mediterranean

With its blend of dried fruits, nuts, and whole grains, this bread brings a touch of Mediterranean magic to every bite. It’s like taking a journey to the heart of the Mediterranean with just one slice.

Naturally Sweet and Nutty

The mix of dried fruits like raisins and figs adds a touch of sweetness, while the nuts give it a hearty, crunchy texture. The combination is irresistible, and you’ll love how balanced and satisfying it is.

Perfect for Any Meal

This bread is incredibly versatile—serve it with cheese, as part of a salad, with a dollop of jam, or just enjoy it on its own. It’s hearty enough for sandwiches, yet light enough to enjoy with your morning coffee.

Wholesome and Nutritious

Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, this Mediterranean bread is a nourishing choice. It’s made with whole wheat flour, providing all the benefits of whole grains, while the fruit and nuts contribute plenty of essential nutrients.

Easy to Make

Don’t worry about complicated steps or long hours in the kitchen. This bread is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own bread at home, this recipe is a great place to start!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Mediterranean-inspired loaf:

Whole Wheat Flour

Whole wheat flour adds a hearty, earthy base to the bread, making it a filling and nutritious choice.

All-Purpose Flour

For the perfect texture, all-purpose flour is used in combination with whole wheat flour to create a soft, airy crumb.

Yeast

Active dry yeast helps the dough rise, giving the bread its signature light and fluffy texture.

Dried Fruits (Raisins, Figs, etc.)

Sweet dried fruits like raisins and figs are the stars of this bread. They provide natural sweetness and moisture.

Walnuts or Almonds

Nuts like walnuts or almonds give the bread its satisfying crunch, and they pair perfectly with the sweetness of the dried fruit.

Olive Oil

Mediterranean breads often include olive oil, which adds flavor and richness while also contributing to the softness of the bread.

Honey or Maple Syrup

A small amount of honey or maple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the fruits and nuts.

Salt

Salt enhances all the flavors and helps balance the sweetness of the fruits and honey.

Warm Water

Warm water activates the yeast and helps create a smooth dough.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this beautiful Mediterranean Harvest Bread? Here’s how:

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are well mixed.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is combined into a rough dough.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

Incorporate the Fruit and Nuts

Once the dough is kneaded, gently fold in the dried fruits and nuts. This adds a burst of flavor and texture to the bread. Keep folding until the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can shape it into a round or oval shape, depending on your preference.

Second Rise

Place the shaped dough onto a greased baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it has puffed up.

Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has finished rising, bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: 210 calories (based on 12 servings)

Nutritional Breakdown (per slice):

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin A: 0%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours

How to Serve Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts

This bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments:

With Cheese

Enjoy this bread with your favorite cheeses. Soft goat cheese or a sharp cheddar pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit and nuts.

As a Sandwich

Use slices of this bread for Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches. Add some hummus, fresh veggies, and grilled chicken for a tasty meal.

With Jam or Nut Butter

Spread a bit of jam, honey, or almond butter on a slice for an easy breakfast or snack.

As a Side to Soup or Salad

This bread is perfect as a side to a fresh salad or a bowl of soup. Its hearty texture complements light and savory dishes.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup. Alternatively, you can add a bit more dried fruit for extra sweetness.

Use Different Fruits and Nuts

Feel free to swap the raisins and figs for other dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or dates. Almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans can be used instead of walnuts for a different flavor.

Store Properly

To keep the bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Add Herbs or Spices

If you like a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or dried rosemary to the dough for a unique twist.

Make Mini Loaves

For smaller portions, you can divide the dough into mini loaf pans before the second rise and bake accordingly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use just all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
A1: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf, but the bread won’t have the same nutty flavor and texture from the whole wheat flour.

Q2: Can I make this bread without nuts?
A2: Absolutely! You can leave out the nuts or substitute them with more dried fruit or seeds, depending on your preference.

Q3: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
A3: Fresh fruit will make the dough too moist and affect the texture. Stick to dried fruit for the best results.

Q4: Can I add yeast right into the flour without proofing it?
A4: It’s better to proof the yeast to make sure it’s active, but if you’re in a rush, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients, just be sure to let the dough rise for longer.

Q5: Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
A5: Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough, then bake it in your oven for the best results.

Q6: Can I freeze this bread?
A6: Yes! Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Q7: How can I make this bread vegan?
A7: You can easily make this bread vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup and using a plant-based oil like olive or avocado oil.

Q8: Can I add seeds to this bread?
A8: Yes! Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds would be great additions to the dough.

Q9: Can I use a different kind of nut butter in place of olive oil?
A9: Yes, you can substitute olive oil with almond butter or cashew butter, which will also give the bread a rich, nutty flavor.

Q10: Is there a way to make this bread more savory?
A10: Absolutely! Try adding some Mediterranean herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts is the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and savory flavors. It’s hearty, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying, whether you’re enjoying it on its own or with your favorite toppings. So why not take the time to make this wholesome bread at home? Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a loaf that’s perfect for every meal or snack. Happy baking!

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