Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit Recipe

This sweet damper with dried fruit recipe is a delightful fusion of authentic Australian flavors and a wholesome, comforting texture. This dish is an excellent choice for outdoor cooking, especially if you're entertaining a crowd. It's incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal efforts and basic ingredients, yet the end result is incredibly rewarding.

Photos of Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit Recipe

Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are staples in most kitchens such as all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, butter, and powdered milk. The one ingredient that might not be readily available is the camp oven, which is essential for preparing damper as it's traditionally cooked on a campfire. If you can't find one in your local stores, you can easily order it online.

Essential Ingredients for Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit

All purpose flour: The foundation for the damper, providing structure and substance to the bread.

Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, giving the damper its rise and fluffiness.

White sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the damper.

Powdered milk: Enhances the flavor and texture of the damper.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Butter: Adds richness and moistness to the damper. It also aids in browning the crust.

Raisins: Offers a sweet, chewy contrast to the soft, tender bread.

Cold water: Used to bring the dough together.

One reader, Janessa Abraham says:

This sweet damper with dried fruit recipe is a game-changer! The combination of the sweet raisins and the fluffy, perfectly baked dough is simply divine. It's a delightful treat that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Janessa Abraham

Techniques for Perfect Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit

How to preheat the camp oven: Preheat the camp oven by placing it on the coals of a campfire and allowing it to reach a temperature of about 425 degrees F.

How to mix the dry ingredients: Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, white sugar, powdered milk, and salt in a bowl. Gently rub in the butter and then mix in the raisins by hand.

How to make a well in the dry ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredient mixture to add the cold water gradually.

How to knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead it gently a few times until it comes together.

How to check for doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the damper to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the damper is ready.

How to let the damper rest: After baking, cover the damper with a dry towel and let it rest in a warm place for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.

How To Make Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit

This sweet damper is a soda bread traditionally made in Australia. You can serve this with black tea and eat it with jam, golden syrup, or refined molasses.

Preparation: 40 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Rest Time: 3 minutes

Total: 1 hour 13 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½tspbutter
4cupsall purpose flour
8tspbaking powder
2tbspwhite sugar
2tbsppowdered milk,or more as needed
½tspsalt
1tbspbutter,softened, or more as needed
1cupraisins,or to taste
1½cupscold water,or as needed
1½tsppowdered milk

Instructions

Build a campfire and allow the fire to burn until it has accumulated a bed of coals. Rake the coals into a flat bed on one side of the fire.
Grease the inside of the camp oven lightly with ½ teaspoon butter and place it on the coals, preheating it to about 425 degrees F.
Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, 2 tablespoons powdered milk, and salt together in a bowl. Rub butter gently through the mixture. Mix raisins in by hand.
Make a well in the center of the mixture. Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until dough stops sticking to the sides of the bowl.
Dissolve 1½ teaspoons powdered milk in an equal amount of water in a bowl.
Turn dough out onto a floured board and knead gently a few times. Shape into a rough circle or loaf about 1½ inches thick. Place in the preheated camp oven. Brush the top of the damper with the dissolved milk.
Cover and bake over the fire for about 30 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Lift the lid with a metal tent peg and remove the damper carefully. Cover with a dry towel, and let rest in a warm place for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 209.23kcal
Fat: 1.69g
Saturated Fat: 0.84g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.36g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.22g
Carbohydrates: 44.34g
Fiber: 1.58g
Sugar: 9.50g
Protein: 4.79g
Cholesterol: 3.28mg
Sodium: 246.92mg
Calcium: 242.90mg
Potassium: 139.75mg
Iron: 2.51mg
Vitamin A: 10.88µg
Vitamin C: 0.28mg

Key Technique for Successful Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit

When kneading the dough, be sure not to overwork it. Over-kneading can lead to a tough damper. Instead, aim for a dough that is smooth and elastic. This will result in a damper that is light and fluffy, perfect for soaking up the flavors of your favorite spreads or dips. Also, when baking over a campfire, it's important to rotate the camp oven every now and then to ensure even cooking. The heat from a campfire can be uneven, so rotating the oven helps to distribute the heat evenly, preventing one side of the damper from burning while the other side remains undercooked.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Sweet Damper

Preparation: Gather all the ingredients and utensils before starting to save time and ensure a smooth cooking process.

Organization: Organize your workspace by arranging ingredients and tools in a convenient manner to avoid wasting time searching for items.

Pre-measure: Pre-measure all the ingredients before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process and minimize preparation time.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as preparing other ingredients while waiting for the dough to rise or bake.

Efficient tools: Use efficient tools such as sharp knives, food processors, and mixers to expedite the preparation process.

Time management: Plan the recipe steps in a logical order to optimize time and minimize unnecessary waiting periods.

Clean as you go: Clean and organize your workspace as you progress through the recipe to avoid clutter and save time during the cleanup process.

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven while preparing the dough to ensure it's ready when the recipe calls for baking.

Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch of the recipe and freezing the extra portions for future use to save time on meal preparation later.

Follow recipe: Follow the recipe instructions closely to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming corrections.

Substitute Ingredients For Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit Recipe

butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, providing a similar fat content and texture.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to the sweet damper.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder by adding an acidic ingredient such as buttermilk or yogurt to activate its leavening properties.
white sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for white sugar, adding a richer flavor and moisture to the sweet damper.
powdered milk - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk can be used as a substitute for powdered milk, providing a creamy texture and richness to the sweet damper.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a subtle briny flavor and texture to the sweet damper.
raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for raisins, providing a tart and sweet flavor to the sweet damper.
cold water - Substitute with cold milk: Cold milk can be used as a substitute for cold water, adding richness and flavor to the sweet damper.
powdered milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a substitute for powdered milk, adding a tropical flavor and creaminess to the sweet damper.

Presentation Ideas for Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit

Elevate the plating: When presenting the sweet damper, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use edible flowers and fresh herbs to add a pop of color and visual appeal to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a light, delicate honey or maple syrup over the sweet damper to add a touch of sophistication and enhance the overall presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Serve the sweet damper on a beautiful wooden board or a stone platter to create a rustic yet upscale presentation that will impress the judges.
Add a touch of luxury with accompaniments: Serve the sweet damper with a side of clotted cream or vanilla bean whipped cream to elevate the dish and provide a luxurious element to the presentation.
Incorporate precision in portioning: Carefully slice the sweet damper into uniform portions and arrange them on the plate with precision and attention to detail, showcasing the craftsmanship of the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Dried Fruit Damper

Camp oven: A camp oven is a versatile cooking tool designed for outdoor use, typically made of cast iron or aluminum. It is used for baking, roasting, and stewing over an open fire or with charcoal.
Bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the dough for the sweet damper.
Board: A floured board is used for kneading and shaping the dough before baking.
Skewer: A skewer is used to test the doneness of the sweet damper by inserting it into the center to check if it comes out clean.
Towel: A dry towel is used to cover and let the damper rest before serving.
Metal tent peg: A metal tent peg is used to lift the lid of the camp oven when checking the damper during baking.

Storing and Freezing Sweet Damper

Allow the sweet damper to cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store, wrap the damper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the damper:
- Wrap the cooled damper tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label the package with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen damper, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
To reheat, wrap the damper in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can slice the damper and toast individual pieces in a toaster or under the broiler for a crispy texture.
If the damper feels a bit stale after storing or freezing, you can refresh it by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and microwaving it for 10-15 seconds, or by lightly toasting it in the oven or toaster.

How To Reheat Leftover Sweet Damper

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover sweet damper in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help retain the moisture and softness of the damper while reheating.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave. Place the leftover damper on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, depending on the size of the piece. The damp paper towel will help prevent the damper from drying out during reheating.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat your leftover sweet damper with dried fruit. Slice the damper into 1-inch thick pieces and place them on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a campfire experience, wrap the leftover damper in aluminum foil and place it near the hot coals of a campfire. Turn the foil package occasionally to ensure even heating. Leave the damper near the coals for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to add a touch of extra flavor and moisture to your leftover damper, try slicing it and spreading a thin layer of butter, honey, or jam on each piece before reheating. This will give the damper a delightful twist and make it taste freshly baked.

Interesting Fact About Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit

The sweet damper with dried fruit recipe is a traditional Australian campfire bread that is typically made with simple ingredients and cooked over an open fire. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized with various dried fruits such as raisins or apricots.

Is Making Sweet Damper at Home Cost-Effective?

This sweet damper with dried fruit recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of basic pantry staples like flour, baking powder, sugar, and dried fruit keeps the cost low. The addition of raisins provides a burst of natural sweetness and flavor without breaking the bank. With an approximate cost of $10-$15 for a household of 4, this recipe offers great value. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Sweet Damper Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This sweet damper recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients are refined flour, sugar, and butter, which are high in calories and low in nutrients. The addition of raisins does provide some fiber and natural sweetness, but overall, this recipe is quite high in carbohydrates and fat.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content and nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use non-fat powdered milk to lower the fat content
Incorporate more dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, to increase fiber and nutrient variety
Add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for healthy fats and protein
Brush the top of the damper with a beaten egg white instead of milk for a crispy, golden crust without added fat

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious damper that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a treat like this occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet is perfectly acceptable.

Editor's Opinion on This Dried Fruit Damper Recipe

This sweet damper with dried fruit recipe is a delightful twist on a classic campfire treat. The combination of raisins and a touch of sweetness from the sugar creates a comforting and satisfying flavor. The use of a camp oven and cooking over a fire adds an element of adventure and nostalgia to the cooking process. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible for both experienced and novice campfire cooks. The end result is a warm, tender damper with a hint of sweetness, perfect for sharing around the campfire with friends and family.

Enhance Your Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the sweet damper with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. The caramelized flavors of the vegetables will complement the sweetness of the damper.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: For a savory contrast to the sweet damper, consider serving it with grilled chicken skewers. The smoky charred flavor of the chicken will provide a delicious balance to the fruity sweetness of the damper.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing and light option to serve alongside the sweet damper is a colorful fruit salad. The combination of fresh fruits will add a burst of natural sweetness and acidity to complement the rich flavors of the damper.

Creamy Mushroom Soup: To add a comforting and creamy element to the meal, consider pairing the sweet damper with a velvety mushroom soup. The earthy and umami flavors of the soup will create a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the damper.

Similar Recipes to Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and flavorful broth, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: This zesty lemon chicken recipe is bursting with bright and tangy flavors. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. It's a refreshing and delicious dish that's perfect for a summer barbecue.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and flavorful mushroom risotto. The rice is cooked to perfection in a rich and savory broth, then mixed with sautéed mushrooms and finished with a generous amount of parmesan cheese. It's a luxurious dish that's perfect for a special occasion.

Appetizers and Mains to Complement Sweet Damper

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a rich and creamy filling, then baking them to perfection. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests wanting more.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with a refreshing and colorful appetizer that features the classic combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all skewered together for a delightful bite-sized treat.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. The dish is best served over fettuccine noodles and garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Beef Stroganoff: Craft a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked in a savory and creamy mushroom sauce. This classic main course pairs perfectly with buttery egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Why trust this Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit Recipe:

This recipe offers a traditional and authentic campfire cooking experience, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The combination of raisins and butter creates a rich and indulgent flavor, while the use of powdered milk ensures a convenient and long-lasting ingredient. The step-by-step instructions provide clear guidance, guaranteeing a successful outcome. With a focus on simplicity and classic techniques, this recipe embodies the essence of rustic cooking, making it a trustworthy choice for those seeking a genuine campfire culinary experience.

Share your thoughts on the Sweet Damper with Dried Fruit Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How can I make this recipe without a campfire?

If you don't have access to a campfire, you can still make this sweet damper with dried fruit by using a conventional oven. Simply preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and follow the same instructions for preparing and baking the damper. Instead of using a camp oven, you can use a regular baking sheet or a cast-iron skillet.

Can I use different types of dried fruit in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize the sweet damper by using your favorite dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or currants. Feel free to mix and match different fruits to create your own unique flavor combination.

Is it possible to make this recipe without powdered milk?

Yes, you can omit the powdered milk if you don't have it on hand. The damper will still turn out delicious, but the powdered milk adds a subtle richness to the dough. If you prefer, you can substitute with regular milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk for a different flavor profile.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the sweet damper?

Absolutely! Adding nuts or seeds can provide a delightful crunch and extra flavor to the damper. Consider incorporating chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds into the dough for a delightful texture and added nutrition.

How should I store any leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, store the sweet damper in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze the damper for longer storage. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or toaster oven until it's heated through.