Anything Bread
A versatile and moist quick bread featuring warm spices and adaptable ingredients like zucchini, banana, or applesauce, perfect for breakfast or snack times, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup oil ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 cups moist ingredient (shredded zucchini, banana, applesauce, pineapple) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine oil, sugar, and eggs; beat until fluffy.
- Add the moist ingredient (such as shredded zucchini, banana, applesauce, or pineapple) and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined and the batter is slightly thicker than a typical cake batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan or baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar exclusively or adding a splash of vanilla extract. You can substitute the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option. If you don't have baking soda, you can increase the baking powder to maintain the leavening effect. This recipe is versatile; try incorporating nuts or dried fruits for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful served warm with a spread of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as an Apple-Nut Toss Salad, or as a side with savory dishes like Spinach Rice Balls.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anything Bread contains roughly 198 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1387mg 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 a different type of flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may result in a denser bread. If using gluten-free flour, ensure it has a binding agent to maintain the bread's texture.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Additionally, the edges should be golden brown, and the bread should spring back slightly when touched.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can enhance the texture and flavor. You can also fold in chocolate chips for a sweeter variation. Just be mindful of the total volume of mix-ins to maintain the right batter consistency.
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).