Step 1

First warm the water.

Step 2

Add a pinch of sugar in the water and stir to mix.

Step 3

Add in the dry active yeast and stir to combine.

Step 4

Keep in warm place for 10 minutes for the yeast to activate.

Step 5

In another bowl, mix both the flours with salt, sugar, tutti frutti, cherries, candied orange peels and custard powder or cornflour.

Step 6

Add the yeast mixture, oil and knead to a smooth and soft dough.

Step 7

Add more water if in case the dough looks dry.

Step 8

Brush the entire dough with some sunflower oil so that it does not dry out.

Step 9

Keep in the same bowl.

Step 10

Cover the bowl with a cling film or kitchen towel and let the dough leaven and rise for 2 to 2.5 hours or as needed.

Step 11

Punch the dough and knead lightly after 2 or 2.5 hours.

Step 12

Grease or line a 9 x 4 inch loaf pan.

Step 13

Shape the dough into a loaf.

Step 14

Cover and keep for 35 to 45 minutes or till the loaf has doubled again.

Step 15

Before baking, preheat the oven to 180 degrees C or 356 degrees F.

Step 16

Bake the loaf for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust looks golden.

Step 17

To check tap the loaf and it should sound hollow.

Step 18

Remove loaf from pan after 4 to 5 minutes, while still hot and keep loaf on a wired tray or rack.

Step 19

Let the fruit bread loaf cool at room temperature.

Step 20

Cut the bread in equal slices. These Fruit Bread slices go well with tea or coffee. You can even slather some butter (vegan or dairy) or jam and have them.