Maple Walnut Bread
This Maple Walnut Bread is soft, moist, and full of natural sweetness from maple syrup. Loaded with crunchy walnuts, it’s protein-rich, fiber-packed, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Quick to mix and bake, it’s a convenient, wholesome choice for any day of the week.
Equipment
- 1 × Sifter
- 1 × 9×5 inch loaf pan
- 2 × Mixing bowls
- 1 × pastry cutter or fork
- 1 × Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup butter sliced (cold, not softened)
- ¼ cup sugar + 2 tablespoons
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 5 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper hangs slightly over the sides to make removing the bread easier later. This simple preparation prevents sticking and guarantees a perfectly shaped loaf. Set the pan aside until your batter is ready.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Sifting incorporates air into the flour, ensuring a lighter texture, while evenly distributing the baking powder helps your bread rise consistently. Take a moment to mix the sifted flour gently with a whisk to remove any lumps.
- Incorporate the Butter: Add ¾ cup of cold, sliced butter to the sifted flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some small pea-sized pieces remaining. The butter should not fully blend; these small pieces melt during baking, creating pockets of richness and a tender, flaky texture in the bread.
- Add Sugar and Walnuts: Sprinkle in ¼ cup sugar and ½ cup chopped walnuts into the butter-flour mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The sugar adds a hint of sweetness that balances the natural richness of the butter and maple syrup, while the walnuts provide a crunchy texture and heart-healthy fats.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of whole milk until fully combined. Add 5 tablespoons of maple syrup and whisk again to ensure a smooth, homogeneous mixture. The eggs provide structure and protein, while the milk and maple syrup enhance moisture and natural sweetness.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the batter together gently. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if the batter remains slightly lumpy. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a dense, heavy loaf. Aim for a uniform texture where all ingredients are incorporated but still light.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly from edge to edge. Smooth the top slightly for an even rise. This ensures your loaf bakes uniformly and has a consistent texture throughout.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause the bread to collapse.
- Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Then, gently lift it out using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents sogginess and helps the flavors set perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the bread into 12 generous pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while the walnuts provide satisfying crunch and healthy fats, making it a wholesome, delicious option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are normal and keep the bread tender.
- Lightly toast walnuts before adding to the batter for a deeper flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Use cold butter, cut into small slices, to create pockets of richness during baking.
- Avoid opening the oven frequently while baking to prevent the loaf from collapsing.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired, maintaining the nutty flavor and healthy fats.
- Maple syrup can be adjusted to taste for sweetness, but reducing it may slightly alter moisture content.
