This Sweet Yeast Bread is a soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet loaf enriched with dried fruits and nuts. It’s a delightful recipe for weekend baking, festive celebrations, or enjoying a cozy breakfast with a warm drink. With tender crumbs, bursts of juicy raisins and apricots, and crunchy walnuts, every slice feels like a comforting hug. Perfect for slicing, toasting, or serving fresh from the oven, this bread is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 90 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves
Cuisine: European-Inspired Sweet Bread
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2 large eggs
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60 grams sugar
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200 ml warm milk
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200 ml warm water
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8 grams dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
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600–650 grams all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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100 grams soft butter (unsalted, room temperature)
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100 grams raisins
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100 grams dried apricots, chopped
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100 grams walnuts, chopped
For the Glaze:
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1 egg yolk
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2 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and sugar. Stir in the dry yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
Make the Dough
Add the eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Begin kneading by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
Once the dough comes together, add the softened butter in small pieces, kneading until fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic—about 5–7 minutes more.
Add the Fruits and Nuts
Fold in the raisins, chopped dried apricots, and walnuts. Knead lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the dough.
First Rise
Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. You can place it into a greased loaf pan or shape it free-form and place it on a parchment-lined baking tray. Let it rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk. This mixture will give your bread a shiny, golden finish.
Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve plain, toasted, or with butter and honey.
Nutritional Information (per slice – based on 12 slices)
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Calories: 275
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Protein: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 10g
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Sodium: 180mg
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Calcium: 4% DV
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Iron: 10% DV
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Sweet yeast breads have a long-standing tradition in many European cultures, especially around holidays. Variations like Italian panettone, Polish babka, and Russian kulich have inspired countless adaptations. This version, featuring raisins, apricots, and walnuts, captures that rich heritage while being simple enough for everyday baking. Its appeal lies in its balance—lightly sweet, subtly buttery, and rich with texture.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Perfectly soft and fluffy texture
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Mildly sweet and full of flavor
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Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
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Flexible with fruits and nuts
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Wonderful for gifting and holidays
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Easy to prepare with pantry staples
Health Benefits
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Raisins provide natural sweetness and iron
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Apricots are high in fiber and vitamin A
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Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
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Eggs and milk add protein and essential vitamins
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Homemade bread lets you control the ingredients and avoid preservatives
Serving Suggestions
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Fresh with butter or jam for breakfast
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Toasted with cream cheese or honey
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Used as French toast for a weekend treat
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Paired with coffee or tea in the afternoon
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Sliced and served with cheese and fruit on a brunch board
Cooking Tips
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Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture
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Don’t skip the second rise—it helps develop structure
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Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version
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Store in a bread bag or airtight container for freshness
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Freeze extra slices wrapped individually for grab-and-go mornings
Variations to Try
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Add orange zest for a citrus note
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Swap apricots for cranberries or dates
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Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts
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Make it into braided rolls or buns
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Drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar after baking
Conclusion
This Sweet Yeast Bread with Raisins, Apricots, and Walnuts is a comforting classic that belongs in every home baker’s repertoire. It’s elegant enough for holidays but easy enough for any weekend. The combination of tender dough, dried fruit, and crunchy nuts makes it a standout loaf you’ll be proud to share—and even prouder to enjoy yourself.
FAQ
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes. Instant yeast can be added directly to the flour and doesn’t need to be activated first.
2. Can I make this dough the night before?
Absolutely. Let it rise in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
3. What if I don’t have dried apricots?
You can substitute with any dried fruit: cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or figs.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter alternative.
5. How long will this bread stay fresh?
Stored properly, it will stay fresh for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can replace up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture.
7. What size loaf pan should I use?
An 8×4 or 9×5-inch loaf pan works well for this recipe.
8. Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?
Yes! Divide the dough into equal portions, shape into rolls, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
9. How can I tell if the bread is done?
Tap the bottom—it should sound hollow. Or insert a thermometer into the center; it should read 190–200°F (88–93°C).
10. Is this recipe good for gifting?
Yes! It makes a lovely gift during holidays or special occasions. Wrap in parchment and twine for a rustic touch.