Today, we’re diving into the world of gourmet crackers.
These Fancy Fruit & Nut Crackers are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make from scratch.
Perfect for entertaining or just as a delightful snack, these crackers will impress your guests and leave you feeling proud of your homemade creation.
One of the best things about these crackers is their versatility.
You can customize them with any combination of fruits, nuts, and herbs that you have at home.
Plus, a single batch yields over 50 crackers, making them a cost-effective alternative to store-bought varieties.
Another fantastic aspect of this recipe is that you can bake the loaves and freeze them.
When you need fresh crackers, simply slice and bake.
This ensures your crackers are always perfectly fresh and crisp with minimal effort.
Let’s get started on this delightful culinary adventure!
Ingredients
To make these crackers, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or use all-purpose flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup dried fruit, chopped (apricots, figs, dates, raisins, cherries, etc.)
- 3/4 cup nuts or seeds, chopped (pecans, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon orange or lemon zest
- 1 cup milk of choice (oat milk, almond milk, cow’s milk, etc.)
- 1/4 cup honey
Steps to Make Fancy Fruit & Nut Crackers
Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Pans
Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
Line two mini loaf pans (approximately 5 1/2” x 3 1/4”) with parchment paper.
This will prevent the loaves from sticking and make it easier to remove them after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
Add the fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper.
Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Add the Fruits and Nuts
Chop your selected dried fruits and nuts or seeds into small pieces.
Add them to the bowl along with the orange or lemon zest.
Mix until the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the milk and honey into the bowl.
Stir until everything is well combined and there are no streaks of honey left in the batter.
The mixture should be thick but pourable.
Step 5: Bake the Loaves
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes.
The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 6: Cool and Freeze the Loaves
Allow the loaves to cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly.
Step 7: Preheat for the Second Bake
When you’re ready to make the crackers, preheat your oven to 300˚F.
Step 8: Slice the Frozen Loaves
Remove the loaves from the freezer and unwrap them.
Use a serrated knife to slice the loaves into 1/8-inch thick slices.
Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 9: Bake the Crackers
Bake the slices for 12 minutes.
Then, flip each cracker over and bake for another 12 minutes.
Check for doneness; if the crackers are not quite done, flip them again and bake for another 3-8 minutes.
The crackers should be golden brown and feel dry to the touch.
They may still look soft due to the fruit, but they will crisp up as they cool.
Storing and Serving Your Crackers
Once your crackers are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh and crisp for several days.
Serve them with your favorite cheeses, dips, or enjoy them on their own.
Tips for Customizing Your Crackers
- Experiment with different fruits and nuts: Try combinations like dried cranberries and pecans, or figs and walnuts.
- Play with herbs and spices: Add a touch of fennel seed or substitute thyme with oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Sweet or Savory: Adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more honey or turning it down by using less.
- Dip Ideas: These crackers pair beautifully with a variety of dips. Try them with hummus, cheese spreads, or even a sweet fruit compote.
Why Homemade is Better
Making your own crackers means you can control the ingredients, ensuring there are no unwanted additives or preservatives.
It also allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking, making every bite uniquely yours.
Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with baking from scratch that you just can’t get from store-bought products.
Conclusion
These Fancy Fruit & Nut Crackers are a testament to the joy of homemade snacks.
With a bit of preparation, you can have a batch ready to impress your guests or satisfy your snack cravings.
The ability to freeze and bake as needed means you’re always just a few steps away from enjoying fresh, crisp crackers.
So, roll up your sleeves and get baking—you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!