Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of bread that perfectly balances sweet maple, crunchy walnuts, and chewy figs - a heavenly combination that transforms an ordinary baking experience into a gourmet adventure! This Maple Walnut and Fig Bread isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and irresistible aromas. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress everyone who takes a bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, maple syrup, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and dried figs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the Maple Walnut and Fig Bread and serve. Enjoy it as is, or with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added flavor.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Toast Your Walnuts: For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
- Cool Completely: Let the bread cool entirely before slicing to prevent crumbling and allow flavors to settle.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 3-4 days.
- Customize: Experiment with adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra maple syrup on top for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
