Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts Recipe
If you love a bread that feels like a celebration of sunshine, flavor, and texture all at once, you simply must try this Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts. Packed with chewy dried fruit, crunchy nuts, and the warm aroma of orange zest and honey, every slice feels like a mini-getaway to a rustic Mediterranean village. Whether you eat it fresh, toasted, or paired with your favorite savory or sweet toppings, this show-stopping loaf brings warmth and character to every table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts is how a handful of kitchen staples transform into a loaf full of color and flavor. Each ingredient has a special role in building the bread’s glorious structure and taste, so don’t be afraid to use the best you can source!
- All-purpose flour: Your reliable foundation for a soft crumb that’s sturdy enough to hold all those delicious add-ins.
- Instant yeast: Ensures a lively, well-risen loaf with minimal fuss—no proofing needed, just mix straight in.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into focus while enhancing both sweet and savory notes.
- Olive oil: A swirl of Mediterranean charm, lending richness and softness to the crumb.
- Honey: Adds gentle sweetness and supports a beautifully golden crust.
- Warm water (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and helps blend all ingredients into a supple dough.
- Chopped dried figs or dates: These jewel-like morsels give pockets of natural sweetness in every slice.
- Golden raisins: Their gentle chew and sunny color are delightful hidden treasures in the bread.
- Chopped walnuts or almonds: Bring nutty crunch and rich flavor—pick your favorite or try a mixture.
- Orange zest: A sprinkle of zest brightens the dough with fresh, citrusy fragrance.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): For an extra-warm, spiced undertone that pairs perfectly with the fruit and nuts.
- Extra flour for dusting: Helps with shaping and gives the crust that rustic, artisanal touch.
How to Make Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start your journey to unbelievable flavor by combining the flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This is where you lay the groundwork, making sure each dry ingredient is evenly distributed—no lumps, just anticipation for everything to come.
Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the warm water, olive oil, and honey until well combined. Pour this fragrant mixture over the dry ingredients, and stir until you have a shaggy dough. At this stage, the bread is already beginning to come to life!
Step 3: Knead to Smooth Elasticity
Knead the dough on a lightly floured counter or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. After 6 to 8 minutes, it should feel supple, elastic, and a bit bouncy—ready to hug those fruit and nut mix-ins.
Step 4: Add Fruits, Nuts, and Zest
Now, the magic! Fold in the chopped dried figs or dates, golden raisins, nuts, orange zest, and cinnamon, if you’re using it. Give the dough a brief knead by hand to spread the treasure evenly, ensuring every slice bursts with Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts flavors.
Step 5: First Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Watch as the dough turns pillowy and ready for its next step.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the risen dough and shape into a round or oval loaf. Set it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or drop it into a greased loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for 30 to 40 more minutes—the anticipation is building!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
While the dough is taking its final rise, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Dust the top with flour and, if you like, make a few shallow slashes for that gorgeous rustic look. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack—resist slicing too soon, as the aroma will be hard to withstand!
How to Serve Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts
Garnishes
Try brushing the warm loaf with a bit more honey or olive oil right after baking, or sprinkle with extra orange zest for a fragrant finish. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a stunning, festive look for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside creamy goat cheese, a bowl of Greek yogurt, or a platter of olives and roasted peppers for the full Mediterranean experience. It’s also lovely with a swipe of butter or your favorite fruit preserves at breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable appetizer, cube the Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts and toast the pieces as croutons for a green salad. Or, slice thickly and use as a base for open-faced sandwiches, topped with ricotta and a drizzle of honey. The bread’s colorful interior makes any bread basket shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the bread tightly in foil or place in a bread box at room temperature. Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts stays fresh and soft for 2 to 3 days, making it a fantastic bake-ahead choice.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully. Slice it first for easy toasting later, or freeze whole, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil. You’ll have homemade Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts ready for impromptu breakfasts or dinner guests—just thaw at room temperature or gently in the oven.
Reheating
To refresh slices, pop them in the toaster or heat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for several minutes. Whole loaves can be reheated wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes to restore their just-baked texture—so good it’s like baking it all over again!
FAQs
Can I substitute the fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, and use pecans, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a flavor twist that keeps things exciting.
What’s the best way to tell if my bread is baked through?
The loaf should be golden and sound hollow when you tap the bottom—but if you want extra reassurance, a thermometer inserted into the center should read about 200°F (93°C).
Is this bread sweet or savory?
This Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts sits deliciously in between! The honey and fruit add subtle sweetness, while the nuts and olive oil offer savory, earthy notes.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Definitely—just replace the honey with maple syrup or agave, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly loaf with all the gorgeous Mediterranean vibes.
How do I keep the bread crust from getting too hard?
Let the loaf cool completely before storing, and keep it tightly wrapped. If the crust gets a bit firm over time, a light reheat in the oven or toaster will bring back its lovely crunch and softness inside.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts is all about joyful baking and sharing—an easy, nourishing loaf you’ll reach for whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a dinner party. Give it a try, and let each radiant, flavorful bite transport you right to the Mediterranean coast!
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Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising)
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this Harvest Bread packed with dried fruits and nuts. This rustic loaf is perfect for breakfast or as a snack, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- Extra flour for dusting
Fillings:
- 1/2 cup chopped dried figs or dates
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Combine flour, yeast, and salt. Mix warm water, olive oil, and honey. Add wet ingredients to dry, stir until dough forms. Knead until elastic.
- Add Fillings: Fold in fruits, nuts, zest, and cinnamon. Shape dough into a ball; let rise.
- Shape and Bake: Form loaf, let rise again. Preheat oven. Dust with flour, bake until golden. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with cheese, olive oil, or preserves.
- Keeps well at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
