Sweet Fig Delight Bread
This Sweet Fig Delight Bread is a deliciously moist quick bread that showcases the natural sweetness of figs, complemented by the subtle flavor of apple juice and a hint of citrus. Adapted from the beloved Cook Now Serve Later Cookbook, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The use of whole wheat flour adds a wholesome touch, while the option to substitute with other dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or dates allows for endless variations to suit your palate. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a delightful companion to your afternoon tea, this fig bread is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the warmth of homemade baking with this delightful bread that brings comfort to any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apple juice
1 cup (none)
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup ((1/2 stick, or margarine))
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dried figs
1 1/2 cups (stems removed, coarsely chopped)
Flour
1 3/4 cups ((half whole wheat recommended))
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Eggs
2 (large, beaten)
Sugar
1/3 cup (none)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Grated lemon or orange rind
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, heat the apple juice over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add the unsalted butter, stirring until fully melted. Stir in salt and coarsely chopped figs. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended. Gently fold in the cooled fig mixture along with the grated lemon or orange rind.
3
Carefully add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Be cautious not to overmix, as this may affect the texture of the bread.
4
Grease an 8"x4"x2" loaf pan and spoon the batter into it. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5
Once baked, allow the bread to cool upright in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on the rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Fig Delight Bread?
Sweet Fig Delight Bread is a moist quick bread featuring dried figs, apple juice, and a hint of citrus, based on the Cook Now Serve Later Cookbook.
How do I prepare the figs for this recipe?
You should remove the stems and coarsely chop 1 1/2 cups of dried figs before adding them to the heated apple juice mixture.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the bread need to bake?
The bread typically bakes for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of flour, with a recommendation to use half whole wheat flour for a wholesome touch.
What size loaf pan is recommended?
An 8 inch by 4 inch by 2 inch loaf pan should be greased and used for this recipe.
Can I substitute the dried figs with other fruits?
Yes, you can substitute the figs with other dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, or dates to suit your preference.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Should I let the bread cool in the pan?
Yes, allow the bread to cool upright in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before removing it.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the substitution of margarine in place of the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What is the secret to a good texture in this bread?
To maintain a good texture, be cautious not to overmix the batter; stir only until the ingredients are just moistened.
What type of citrus rind should be used?
You can use one teaspoon of either fresh grated lemon rind or orange rind.
How do I prepare the apple juice and fig mixture?
Heat 1 cup of apple juice to a boil, remove from heat, melt in the butter, then stir in the salt and chopped figs and let it cool.
Is this a yeast-based bread?
No, this is a quick bread that uses baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents instead of yeast.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs that have been beaten.
What are the leavening agents used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much sugar is in the Sweet Fig Delight Bread?
This recipe uses 1/3 cup of sugar to complement the natural sweetness of the figs and apple juice.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, it requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt, which is added to the hot apple juice and butter mixture.
Can I use vanilla extract?
Yes, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture for enhanced flavor.
Is it okay to add the fig mixture while it is still hot?
No, the fig and apple juice mixture should be allowed to cool to room temperature before being combined with the eggs.
What makes this bread moist?
The combination of apple juice, butter, and figs helps create a deliciously moist texture.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely, it is described as being perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a companion to afternoon tea.
Can I use dates instead of figs?
Yes, dates are mentioned as a suitable substitute for dried figs in this recipe.
Can I use raisins instead of figs?
Yes, raisins are a great alternative if you do not have dried figs on hand.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can negatively affect the texture of the bread, making it less light and tender.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this Sweet Fig Delight Bread recipe.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from the Cook Now Serve Later Cookbook.
What tags are associated with this bread?
Associated tags include quick bread, fig bread, sweet bread, baking, snack bread, homemade, breakfast, and comfort food.
Should the bread be cooled before slicing?
Yes, the bread should cool completely on a wire rack before you attempt to slice it.
Can I use fresh citrus rind?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using 1 teaspoon of fresh grated lemon or orange rind.