Delicious Mary Berry Fruit Loaf Recipe: A Must-Try Delight!

Mary Berry is a name synonymous with baking and delicious recipes that have stood the test of time. If you are a fan of delightful loaf cakes, then this Mary Berry Fruit Loaf recipe is a must-try! 🍞🎉 This easy-to-follow recipe provides a moist and flavorful loaf that can be enjoyed any time of the day. In this blog post, we will walk through the ingredients, preparation steps, and some tips to make the perfect fruit loaf.

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Ingredients Required for Mary Berry's Fruit Loaf

Creating this delightful fruit loaf requires a simple list of ingredients. Here’s what you will need: 🛒

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Amount</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Unsalted butter, softened</td> <td>100g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Soft brown sugar</td> <td>100g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>2 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Self-raising flour</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Milk</td> <td>75ml</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Baking powder</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ground nutmeg</td> <td>½ tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ground cinnamon</td> <td>½ tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chopped nuts (optional)</td> <td>50g</td> </tr> </table>

Note: Feel free to substitute the mixed dried fruits with your favorites. You can also add spices to your taste for additional flavor. 🍏🍒

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Steps to Prepare Mary Berry's Fruit Loaf

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, let’s get into the preparation! This recipe is simple enough for beginners and provides a delightful treat that everyone will love. 🎂

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) or 140°C (285°F) for fan-assisted ovens. This ensures that your loaf bakes evenly. 🔥

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Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Tin

Grease a 2lb (900g) loaf tin with butter and line the base with baking paper to prevent sticking. This will help you remove the loaf easily after baking. 🥄

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Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and soft brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. 🥄

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Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 🥚

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Step 5: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. This step is crucial for aerating the flour and ensuring that your loaf rises properly. 🌾

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Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. 🌊

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Step 7: Add Dried Fruits and Nuts

Finally, fold in the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts (if using). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. 🍇

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Step 8: Bake the Loaf

Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. ⏳

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Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with butter or enjoy it as it is! 🥳

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Tips for the Perfect Fruit Loaf

To elevate your Mary Berry Fruit Loaf experience, consider the following tips: 🌟

• Storage: Store your fruit loaf in an airtight container to keep it moist. It can last for up to a week, or you can freeze it for longer preservation.

• Variations: Experiment with different types of dried fruit, like apricots or dates. You can also add citrus zest for an extra flavor boost.

• Serving Suggestions: This loaf is delightful on its own, but you can also pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon snack. ☕️

• Glazing: For a shiny finish, consider glazing the top with a mixture of apricot jam or honey while it’s still warm.

Conclusion

Mary Berry's Fruit Loaf is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, making it a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this fruit loaf will surely delight your taste buds! 🎉👩‍🍳

Embrace the joy of baking with this simple recipe and share the love with family and friends. You won’t regret it! 🍽️