California Breakfast Bread Recipe
Introduction
A delightful and wholesome addition to any breakfast table, California Breakfast Bread is not just a recipe; it is a testament to the simplicity and beauty of home-cooked meals. This scrumptious bread, discovered on an old sheet of note paper, invites nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a large brunch or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, this bread is sure to please your palate and nourish your body.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Quick Breads
- Servings: 16 slices
- Rating: 5 stars (based on 12 reviews)
Ingredients
To create this delicious California Breakfast Bread, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Low-fat buttermilk | 2 cups |
| Honey | ½ cup |
| Molasses | ¼ cup |
| Baking soda | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Whole wheat flour | 1½ cups |
| Wheat germ | ½ cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Raisins | ¼ cup |
| Dates | ¼ cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 158.7 |
| Total Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 1.2 mg |
| Sodium | 352.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 14.6 g |
| Protein | 4.7 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make your own California Breakfast Bread:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial high temperature helps to create a nice crust on the bread.
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Prepare the Pan: Take a non-stick loaf pan and generously spray it with cooking spray. This will ensure that your bread easily releases from the pan after baking.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Start by pouring in the low-fat buttermilk, then add the honey and molasses, mixing well to incorporate the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients, including the baking soda, salt, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and all-purpose flour, ensuring they are evenly blended. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Finally, fold in the raisins and dates, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour into the Pan: Once everything is well combined, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
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Lower the Temperature: Place the pan in the preheated oven, then immediately lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature adjustment helps the bread bake evenly and thoroughly without burning the exterior.
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Bake the Bread: Allow the bread to bake for 1 hour, during which time your kitchen will be filled with a warm, inviting aroma that will make it hard to resist.
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Cool the Bread: Once the hour is up, carefully remove the loaf pan from the oven. To cool the bread, turn the loaf out onto a wire rack. This step is crucial, as it allows air to circulate around the bread, preventing it from becoming soggy.
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Slice and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely, preferably for at least 8 hours, before slicing. This resting period enhances the texture and flavor, making it even more enjoyable when toasted.
Conclusion
California Breakfast Bread is a nutritious, delicious, and versatile addition to your breakfast repertoire. Its combination of whole grains, natural sweeteners, and dried fruits creates a wholesome bread that is perfect for toasting and slathering with your favorite spreads. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a cup of coffee, this bread is sure to become a family favorite, making your mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier.
Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits or nuts to tailor this recipe to your taste. Happy baking!
