Gift Of The Magi Bread
Gift Of The Magi Bread is a rich, fruity loaf packed with bananas, mandarin orange segments, dried figs, cherries, and chocolate bits. Its moist texture and delightful mix of flavors make it perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful homemade gift, appealing to those who love sweet, fruit-infused baked goods.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 cup mashed bananas ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can drained mandarin orange segments ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package chocolate bits ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded coconut ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped dried figs ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- pinch of salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream margarine with sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
- Mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add alternately with mashed bananas to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in orange segments, chocolate bits, coconut, almonds, cherries, and figs.
- Pour the batter into 2 greased loaf pans.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- When cool, sift confectioners' sugar over the tops.
- Remove from pans and slice thinly to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have sliced almonds, walnuts or pecans can work well. To enhance the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. Make sure to mash the bananas well for a smoother texture. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and it pairs beautifully with Overnight Fruit Salad for a refreshing meal. Serve it with a side of cream cheese or butter for added richness. For dessert, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. It’s also great for gifting during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Gift Of The Magi Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through, keeping it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gift Of The Magi Bread contains roughly 1814 calories, with 30g protein, 240g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2330mg per serving (101% 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 fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin segments?
Yes, you can use fresh oranges. Just peel and segment them, ensuring to remove any seeds. Fresh oranges may add a brighter flavor and a bit of extra moisture, so adjust the recipe accordingly by reducing any liquid ingredients slightly.
What can I substitute for chocolate bits?
If you don't have chocolate bits, you can use chopped chocolate bars or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor. Alternatively, dried cranberries or raisins can be added for a fruity twist. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins similar to maintain the balance of the bread.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the baking soda and chocolate bits, are gluten-free as well. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.
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).