Gingered Spice Bread (Breadmaker 1 1/2 lb Loaf)
Description:
This fragrant Gingered Spice Bread recipe, sourced from Fleischmann’s Yeast Company, offers a perfect blend of spices that will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. The bread is wonderfully soft, slightly sweet, and packed with the warming flavors of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. A delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or snack time, it pairs wonderfully with honey butter and makes a great base for raisin bread, which you can easily add if desired. Using a bread machine, this recipe ensures a hassle-free and efficient baking experience that yields a soft, aromatic loaf in just over three hours. Perfect for busy mornings or large gatherings, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Molasses | 3 tbsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Margarine | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Bread Flour | 3 cups |
| Ground Ginger | 1 tsp |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground Cloves | 1/4 tsp |
| Bread Machine Yeast | 2 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 slice):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 123 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 18.6 mg |
| Sodium | 131.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 2.2 g |
| Protein | 3.4 g |
Recipe Instructions:
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Add Ingredients to Bread Machine:
Begin by adding the ingredients to your bread machine pan. Follow the specific order recommended by your bread machine’s manufacturer. Typically, liquids should go in first, followed by dry ingredients, and yeast should be added last. This ensures the dough rises perfectly during the kneading cycle. -
-
Check Dough Consistency:
After 5 minutes of mixing, open the bread machine and check the dough. It should form a soft, smooth ball around the blade. If the dough feels too dry or stiff, or conversely too soft or sticky, you’ll need to adjust its consistency. -
Adjusting Dough Consistency:
- If the dough is too dry or stiff, add additional liquid—milk or water—one teaspoon at a time. Wait for a few minutes after each addition to allow the dough to incorporate the liquid.
- If the dough is too soft or sticky, add bread flour in small increments (one teaspoon at a time) until the dough reaches a smooth and slightly tacky consistency. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can result in a dense loaf.
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Select the Bread Machine Cycle:
Set your bread machine to the “Basic/White Bread” cycle. Choose a light or medium color setting for your bread, depending on your preference for crust. The bread machine will take care of the kneading, rising, and baking processes. -
Let the Bread Bake:
Once the cycle is complete, remove the pan from the bread machine. Allow the bread to cool slightly before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain the bread’s soft texture and prevent it from becoming soggy. -
Optional Add-ins:
If you’d like to make this loaf into a raisin bread, you can add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of raisins during the final few minutes of the kneading cycle, or as directed by your bread machine’s instructions. This will result in a slightly sweeter, fruit-filled version of the bread, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. -
Serve and Enjoy:
This Gingered Spice Bread is at its best when served slightly warm with a dollop of honey butter or your favorite spread. The rich, spiced flavor will complement any meal, making it a versatile addition to your bread repertoire.
Additional Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this bread for up to 3 months; simply slice it before freezing for easy individual servings.
- For a Healthier Version: You can substitute some of the bread flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber and nutrients, although this may slightly alter the texture and rise of the bread.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to intensify the aromatic spice flavor.
This Gingered Spice Bread is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, brunch spreads, or everyday enjoyment. With the help of your bread machine, you can easily prepare this bread with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Enjoy it fresh from the machine, and let the comforting scent fill your home as you indulge in a slice of homemade goodness!
