Plum Good Bread
A moist, flavorful bread infused with plum baby food and warm spices, perfect for breakfast or teatime, complemented by crunchy toasted walnuts and a tangy lemon glaze.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup canola oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 2 (6 oz.) jars junior plum baby food ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional) ⓘ
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast walnuts on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, buttermilk, sugar, and egg whites until well blended.
- Stir in the jars of plum baby food and red food coloring if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the toasted walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar for a richer taste. If you don't have buttermilk, make your own by combining regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Be mindful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can result in a dense bread. Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor, making them a delightful addition to the bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Plum Good Bread with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete breakfast experience, enjoy it with a side of fresh fruit or a serving of My Friend'S Potato Salad, which complements the sweet flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Plum Good Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plum Good Bread contains roughly 600 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1515mg per serving (66% 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 plums instead of plum baby food?
Yes, you can use pureed fresh plums instead of plum baby food. Just ensure that the consistency is similar to baby food, which is typically smooth and free of chunks. Adjust the sweetness if necessary, as fresh plums may vary in sweetness compared to the baby food.
What if I don't have walnut? Can I substitute them?
Absolutely! If you don't have walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. For a nut-free version, consider adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, which will provide a nice chew and sweetness to the bread.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make Plum Good Bread healthier, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar content by using applesauce or mashed bananas as a natural sweetener. Additionally, consider using egg substitutes for a lower cholesterol option, such as flaxseed meal mixed with water.
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).