California Walnut Bread
A hearty walnut bread with a moist crumb and crunchy walnut topping, perfect for breakfast or snacking, offering nutty sweetness and comforting aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in 1 1/4 cups of coarsely chopped walnuts.
- Add the beaten egg, milk, and vanilla to the mixture and stir until well blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread stand in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia. Also, to enhance the nuttiness, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. Be sure to check the bread for doneness a few minutes early, as ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions
This California Walnut Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with Gerry'S Simple Blackberry Cobbler for a sweet brunch spread. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also enjoy it toasted with your favorite jam or honey for breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Walnut Bread contains roughly 964 calories, with 15g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (41% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 878mg per serving (38% 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 result in a denser bread. It's best to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a lighter texture while adding some whole grain benefits.
Can I add other nuts or fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other nuts like pecans or almonds, or add dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly to maintain the right batter consistency.
What should I do if my bread is too dry?
If your California Walnut Bread turns out dry, it might be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the batter. Next time, try adding an extra tablespoon of milk or shortening to improve moisture content, and keep an eye on the baking time to prevent overbaking.
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).