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Homemade Spiced fruit bread loaf sliced on a wooden chopping board, showing raisins and dried fruit inside with a golden crust.

Spiced Fruit Bread

Soft, fruity, and warmly spiced – Tip Top-inspired loaf you can make at home!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Course Afternoon Tea, Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine Baking, Western
Servings 1 loaf

Ingredients
  

  • 450 grams high grade OR bread flour
  • 200 grams sultanas
  • 250 ml warm water
  • 2¼ tsp active yeast (or 1 packet of instant yeast)
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or any neutral oil - canola, sunflower, etc.
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ½ tsp ground mixed spice
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ⅛ tsp ground ginger

Optional (for glossy top):

  • 1 tsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp honey

Instructions
 

Forming the Dough

  • Dissolve yeast in 250ml warm water (about 40°C) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 mins until frothy.
  • While waiting, combine flour, sugar, salt, and all spices in a large bowl or stand mixer.
  • Add the yeast mixture and oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Fold in the sultanas and knead in the bowl untill all the sides are clean, or on a lightly floured surface or in a stand mixer with dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

  • Cover the dough with a clean towel or cling wrap. Let rise in a warm, draft free place until doubled in size (about 1–2 hours)..

Shaping & second rise

  • Punch down dough gently before rolling it out on the bench with a rolling pin Shape into 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves.
  • Place in a greased tin and allow to rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  • While that is doing its second rise preheat the oven to 180°C fan forced. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Optional: Glaze

  • Mix the melted butter and honey together.
  • Straight out of the oven, lightly brush the honey and butter mix on the top side of the loaf for a glossy crust.

Notes

  • Instant yeast shortcut: If using instant yeast, you can add it directly to the dry ingredients. No need to dissolve or wait for it to bloom. Just reduce the rising time slightly if needed.
  • Fruit prep: For extra plumpness, soak sultanas in warm water or juice for 10–15 minutes before adding.
  • Kneading: Dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky; over-kneading can make it tough.
  • Rising: Rising times vary with room temperature. Dough is ready when doubled in size.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days, or freeze slices for longer.
  • Serving: Delicious toasted with butter or a drizzle of honey.
Keyword easy fruit bread recipe, homemade fruit loaf, soft spiced fruit bread, spiced fruit bread, sultana loaf, tip top dupe