2Nd Place: Tropical Bread
A moist tropical bread packed with coconut, dates, and apples, offering a sweet, nutty flavor profile perfect for breakfast or teatime indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix and sift all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in toasted flaked coconut.
- Combine milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir well.
- Fold in diced dates and chopped apples until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you don’t have dates, try using raisins or dried apricots as a substitute. Make sure to toast the coconut until golden for a richer flavor. Sifting the flour helps create a lighter loaf, so don’t skip this step. This recipe is versatile and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tropical Bread warm or at room temperature, optionally with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a tropical fruit salad or a cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast or snack. For a fun twist, serve it alongside I-45 Min. Cream Cheese Cake for a delicious dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Tropical Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast lightly for a crispy finish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 2Nd Place: Tropical Bread contains roughly 742 calories, with 11g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1373mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may yield a denser loaf. For best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a good texture while adding some whole grain benefits.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance the flavor and texture of the bread. Just fold them in with the diced dates and chopped apples for a delightful crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).