If you're looking for a way to take your baking skills to the next level, the apricot bread recipe is an excellent choice. This sweet and savory bread is a delicious treat that is perfect for a special breakfast or afternoon snack. Below you will find a detailed step-by-step recipe for creating this wonderful apricot bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 cups of wheat flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Preparation:
1. Start by cutting the dried apricots into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour a cup of hot water over them. Let the apricots soak for about 30 minutes so they can soften.
2. While apricots are soaking, dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, until the yeast starts to foam.
3. Add the flour, sugar and salt to the bowl with the yeast. Mix well until all ingredients are completely combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the flour mixture. Also add softened butter. Mix everything together until the dough starts to form.
5. Drain the soaked apricots and add them to the dough. Mix well so that the apricots are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a little more water.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
8. After the dough has risen, knead it again for a few minutes to expel any air bubbles. Then form the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
9. Cover the loaf pan with the damp cloth and let the loaf rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
10. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and makes a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
11. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. The bread is now ready to be cut and served!
This apricot bread recipe is a wonderful way to add a little sweetness to your baking routine. The resulting bread is soft and flavorful, with a delicious apricot flavor that is sure to please everyone. So the next time you're in the mood to bake, why not try making this delicious apricot bread?
