Introducing a delightful creation from lovewithrecipes.com – the Spicy Squash Bread, a tantalizing treat that combines the warmth of spices with the earthy goodness of squash, resulting in a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. This recipe falls under the category of Quick Breads, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a homemade delight without the lengthy preparation process. With just a total time of 1 hour and 35 minutes, including a mere 30 minutes of prep time and 1 hour and 5 minutes of baking, you’ll soon be savoring every mouthful of this delectable bread.
Let’s delve into the ingredients that make this Spicy Squash Bread a culinary masterpiece. You’ll need 1 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves to infuse the bread with those irresistible spicy notes. For the moist and tender texture, you’ll incorporate 2 eggs, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1/3 cup of sour cream, providing richness and depth to the flavor profile.
But what truly elevates this bread is the star ingredient – shredded squash, adding a touch of sweetness and a hint of earthiness to each slice. With 3 cups of shredded squash in the mix, you’ll achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing with delight.
Now, let’s embark on the culinary journey of crafting this Spicy Squash Bread. Begin by combining the dry ingredients – the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves in a mixing bowl. Give them a gentle stir to ensure they’re well combined, then set the bowl aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
In a separate large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk them lightly to break them up. Add in the sugar, oil, sour cream, and preserves, stirring until everything is thoroughly combined into a smooth and creamy mixture. Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show – the shredded squash. Fold it into the wet ingredients, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Once the wet ingredients are well incorporated, gradually add the dry ingredients into the bowl, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Mix until you have a smooth and homogeneous batter, with no streaks of flour remaining.
Now, it’s time to prepare your loaf pan. Grease it lightly and dust it with flour to ensure the bread doesn’t stick to the pan. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure even baking.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), allowing it to reach the perfect temperature to bake your Spicy Squash Bread to golden perfection. Place the filled loaf pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
As the aroma of spices fills your kitchen and anticipation builds, resist the urge to peek into the oven too soon. Allow the bread to bake undisturbed, letting the magic happen as it rises and bakes to perfection.
Once the baking time is complete, remove the Spicy Squash Bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the bread to set slightly before you transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, slice into thick, generous portions, and savor the moment as you indulge in each delectable bite of this Spicy Squash Bread. Whether enjoyed warm with a dollop of butter or toasted to perfection, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike, earning its place as a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire.
