Italian Almond Bread Recipe

Italian Almond Bread Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 45 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 55 minutes
🥖 Servings: 12

Description:

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italian Almond Bread, a wholesome treat that perfectly balances sweetness and nuttiness. This recipe, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com, is not only easy to make but also guarantees a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this bread promises to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 5 1/2 cups unbleached flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons anise seed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Prepare Yeast Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in 2 cups of warm water. Ensure the water is comfortably warm, not too hot.

2. Mix Ingredients:

   • To the yeast mixture, add eggs, anise seed, salt, nutmeg, sugar, and honey. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

3. Incorporate Flour:

   • Gradually add 3 cups of flour to the mixture. Beat the mixture until smooth and free of lumps.

4. Add Almonds and Remaining Flour:

   • Stir in the sliced almonds. Continue adding enough additional flour until the dough becomes easy to handle.

5. Knead the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic.

6. Let the Dough Rise:

   • Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Turn it 180 degrees so that the greased side is facing up. Cover the bowl and let the dough stand in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 50-60 minutes.

7. Divide and Shape:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal halves. Form each half into a loaf shape and place them into greased bread pans.

8. Second Rise:

   • Allow the dough to rise again in the pans until doubled in size.

9. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, place the bread pans in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the loaves are shiny and golden brown. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on them.

10. Check for Doneness:

    • To test if the bread is done, tap the top of the loaves with your finger. They should produce a hollow sound.

11. Final Touch:

    • Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and from the pans. Brush the tops with warm butter for added flavor and shine.

12. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Allow the Italian Almond Bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and savor every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 338.6
• Fat: 9.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2g
• Cholesterol: 31mg
• Sodium: 228.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 55.8g
  • Fiber: 2.6g
  • Sugar: 10.4g
• Protein: 8.8g

Recipe Notes:

• This Italian Almond Bread is perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to afternoon tea.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Enjoy the bread on its own or pair it with your favorite spreads and toppings for a delightful treat.