Apricot almond loaf is a slightly sweet and fragrant bread combining the tangy sweetness of the apricot and nutty crunch of almonds. Baking it in the bread machine until it is golden perfection makes this one a great all-purpose offering for breakfast, coffee, tea, and an afternoon snack. A detailed recipe is given here with alterations to the number of servings, tips for health, serving suggestions, ingredient tips, drink pairings, and plenty more to make you an expert in excellent baking.
The Delightful Apricot Almond Loaf
Equipment
- 1 Bread Machine Use basic/white bread cycle
- 1 Wire Rack For cooling
- 1 Can Opener To open canned apricots
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 15 oz Canned apricots Drained and chopped
- 2 tsp Almond extract
- 2.5 tbsp Butter Softened
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.25 cup Sugar
- 3.5 cups Bread flour High protein preferred
- 2.5 tbsp Vital wheat gluten
- 0.25 oz Rapid rise yeast One envelope
- 0.66 cup Slivered almonds Add during kneading cycle
Instructions
- Drain and rinse canned apricots thoroughly. Pat dry and chop into small pieces. Measure all ingredients precisely, ensuring butter is softened and yeast is fresh.
- Add ingredients to the bread machine pan in this order: chopped apricots, almond extract, softened butter, sugar, salt, bread flour, vital wheat gluten. Make a small well in the flour and add the yeast.
- Choose the “Basic” or “White Bread” cycle (3–3.5 hours). If available, use the “Fruit and Nut” setting.
- Add slivered almonds at the fruit/nut signal (about 5 minutes before kneading ends). If no signal, pause the machine and add manually.
- Press “Start” to begin mixing, kneading, rising, and baking.
- Once the cycle completes, remove the pan using oven mitts. Cool the loaf in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the loaf once fully cooled to avoid crumbling. Serve with cream cheese, almond butter, or honey.
Notes
- Serving Ideas: Try it with almond butter for breakfast, fruit salad for brunch, or with honey and ice cream for dessert.
- Variations: Use dried apricots, swap almonds with pecans, or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Gluten-Free Tip: Use gluten-free bread flour and skip the vital wheat gluten.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Each ingredient in the apricot almond loaf cake contributes to both flavor and nutrition:
- Apricots: Packed with beta carotene (vitamin A), apricots nourish vision, skin, and digestion, and also help with blood sugar regulation.
- Almonds: Full of monounsaturated fats, almonds are good for heart health as they lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. You can also get magnesium for muscle function and plenty of vitamin E for antioxidants.
- Butter: While rich in saturated fats, small amounts of butter contain essential fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E that are important for immune and bone health.
- Bread Flour and Vital Wheat Gluten: Protein and carbohydrates are the main fuel sources for energy. The vital wheat gluten improves the texture of the loaf, making it an appropriate choice for individuals interested in eating hearty bread.
- Yeast: These tiny organisms do more than make the dough rise, also providing some B vitamins that are necessary for energy metabolism.
- Sugar and Salt: These are good when used sparingly because not only do they make food taste better, but they also provide quick energy (sugar) and help in the balance of electrolytes (salt).
The apricot loaf cake is a balanced item, high in fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins, but in moderation, it is not bad for the butter and sugar.
Serving Ideas and Variations
The apricot and almond loaf cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Breakfast: Slice it up, salted with cream cheese or almond butter for a full meal to start the day.
- Brunch: Serve slices with fruit salad and yogurt for a complete meal.
- Snack: A cup of tea or coffee and a piece of bread is a great snack before it starts raining.
- Dessert: Serve bread with honey for entirely different tastes of sweet and salty, with some ice cream.
Variations:
- Replace the canned apricots with 1 cup (⅓ cup for 2 servings) of dried apricots, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and then chopped — a perfect way to enjoy a dried apricot loaf cake.
- Exchange almonds with walnuts or pecans for alternative flavors.
- Combine the dry ingredients with ½ tsp cinnamon/nutmeg for a warm, spiced bread.
- Gluten-Free: Modify the liquid consistency as needed while using regular gluten-free bread flour blend, minus vital wheat gluten.
Ingredient Selection and Storage Tips
- Apricots: A bit of sugar can be eliminated if canned apricots are present in water or light corn syrup. In a cool, dry atmosphere, unopened cans can be kept; cooked apricots ought to be arranged in airtight packages and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Almonds: Medium sliced raw or slightly roasted almond is the better choice for texture. Keep them in an airtight container in the pantry for as long as six months, or refrigerate to keep their freshness for even longer.
- Flour: A good bread flour needs to have a 12–14% protein content to enable gluten strength development. Keep it stored tightly within some airtight containers in a cool, dry space.
- Yeast: Yeast for the best results is said to be fresh, fast-rising yeast. Freezing or refrigeration is the way to go for storage; also, check the dates to be aware of expiration periods.
- Butter: Unsalted butter: The most straightforward way to monitor the amount of salt for use in your cooking. Store your butter in the fridge, and when you want to use it, remember to soften it beforehand.
Beverage Pairings
The almond and apricot cake pairs beautifully with beverages that complement its sweet and nutty flavors:
- Tea: A sip of Earl Grey or chamomile tea makes the loaf taste sweeter.
- Coffee: A light roast with floral aromas will suffice for relieving this heaviness.
- Juice: Orange or apricot juice boosts the fruitiness.
- Wine: For a treat, a glass of Riesling or Moscato will enhance the berry sweetness.
Best Time to Consume
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Conclusion
Apricot almond loaf is a delightful bread that combines the bright flavors of apricots and the crunch of almonds in a bread-machine recipe so easy to make. This recipe has it all — from health benefits, versatility, to crowd-pleasing taste — so it would be a must-try for home bakers. Of whichever amounts, be it feeding a family of about 6 to 8 or trimming down as few as 2, this loaf will totally meet your requirements. Just hang in there after reading through some tips, along with some variations, because you might love this loaf paired with a cup full of your preferred beverage and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!
