Delicious Walnut Fig Bread A Nutritious Delight

If there’s one recipe that perfectly captures the essence of comfort and warmth, it’s Walnut Fig Bread. Imagine a cozy evening spent with friends or family, where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, enticing everyone to gather in the kitchen. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional European baking, where figs and walnuts are celebrated ingredients, often used in festive gatherings and family celebrations.

What makes Walnut Fig Bread truly special is its moist texture and the delightful contrast of flavors. The sweet figs mingle beautifully with the rich, earthy walnuts, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a delightful addition to your holiday spread. It’s not just about baking bread; this recipe invites you to savor the process and create lasting memories with every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Walnut Fig Bread

Walnut Fig Bread is a recipe that offers so much more than just a delicious loaf. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Here are a few reasons you’ll love adding this bread to your recipe collection:

• Easy to Prepare: Unlike some bread recipes that require complex techniques, this one is straightforward and user-friendly, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile: Serve it as breakfast with butter and jam, as a snack, or as a stylish addition to a charcuterie board – it fits in beautifully no matter how you choose to enjoy it.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this bread is not only tasty but also provides essential nutrients, especially from the walnuts and figs.
• Vegan Option: You can easily make this recipe vegan-friendly by substituting a few ingredients, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice, regardless of dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For your Walnut Fig Bread, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll require:

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the body of your bread, providing the structure and texture.
• 1 cup chopped dried figs: They add a natural sweetness and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the walnuts.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts: Rich in flavor and nutrients, walnuts contribute a crunchy bite and earthy taste.
• 1 cup warm water: This activates the yeast, helping the bread to rise properly.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: It helps to feed the yeast, aiding in the fermentation process while also sweetening the bread.
• 1 teaspoon salt: This is essential for flavor balance and helps to control the fermentation process.
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: The key ingredient that ensures your bread rises and achieves that perfect airy texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: It adds richness and moisture to the bread while enhancing the flavor.

Optional Additions

• Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor that balances the sweetness of the figs.
• Include a tablespoon or two of orange zest for a citrusy twist that brightens the flavor profile.
• For a little extra crunch and flavor, consider mixing in some seeds, such as chia or sesame seeds.

Special Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a touch of elegance.
• Top with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme to add a herbal note that complements the flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Follow these simple steps to create your Walnut Fig Bread:

1. Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it’s frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until combined.
4. Incorporate figs and walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped figs and walnuts into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if it’s sticky.
6. First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
7. Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
8. Second rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it puffs up again.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Storage Tips for your Walnut Fig Bread

Walnut Fig Bread is delightful served warm, but it’s equally delicious at room temperature. Here are some ideas on how to serve and store it:

• Serving Suggestions: Slice and serve with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of your favorite jam. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Storing: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Slice it before freezing so you can enjoy individual pieces without defrosting the entire loaf.

Helpful Tips

• Make sure your yeast is fresh. Check the expiration date to ensure it’s active and capable of helping your bread rise.
• For best results, knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring a light and airy loaf.
• If you want to cut down on prep time, you can prepare the dough the night before and allow it to rise in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?

Yes, you can use fresh figs, but they have a higher moisture content. It’s best to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to account for this.

Is Walnut Fig Bread vegan-friendly?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan. Use plant-based options for olive oil and ensure that the yeast and sugar you choose are vegan-friendly.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm, not hot, water to activate it. Give your dough some time in a warm spot to rise.

Can I add other nuts or fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as pecans or almonds. You can also substitute or add dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for variety.

Conclusion

Walnut Fig Bread is not just a delicious treat; it’s an experience that brings people together. Its unique blend of flavors creates an unforgettable loaf that can elevate any meal or occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your own special touches in the comments below. After all, every slice is a moment waiting to be savored, a memory ready to be made – perfect for cozy gatherings with loved ones or simply enjoying a quiet moment to yourself.

Don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine. Adapt the recipe as you see fit and share your experiences – because every kitchen has its own story to tell.

Delicious Walnut Fig Bread A Nutritious Delight

Print Recipe

Savor the flavor of our delicious Walnut Fig Bread a nutritious delight thats perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack Enjoy a slice today

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped dried figs

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup warm water

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the salt.

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until combined.

Gently fold in the chopped figs and walnuts into the dough until evenly distributed.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Once risen, punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.

Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it puffs up again.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven, let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

• Author: souzanfood
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 1 hour 30 minutes: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Cuisine: European

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 calories
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 4 grams

Keywords: Walnut Fig Bread, Bread Recipe, Vegan Bread, Baking