Porcupine Bread
Porcupine Bread is a hearty, nut-filled loaf with a chewy texture and sweet raisins, ideal for breakfast or a snack. Its unique appearance resembles a porcupine, making it fun for family gatherings. The combination of whole wheat, oats, nuts, and seeds offers wholesome flavors and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans.
- Measure bread flour and set aside.
- Combine wheat flour, oats, yeast, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- In a saucepan, heat buttermilk, water, and vegetable oil until 120° to 130°F.
- Add the heated mixture to the wheat flour mixture.
- Blend with a mixer at low speed until moistened; then heat for 3 minutes at medium speed.
- By hand, stir in 1 to 2 cups bread flour, raisins, chopped nuts, and sunflower seeds to form a sticky dough.
- On a floured surface, knead 1/4 to 1 cup bread flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and a towel.
- Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your buttermilk is at the right temperature before adding to the dry ingredients. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Feel free to experiment with the nuts and seeds; walnuts or pecans can be great alternatives. Always check the dough consistency and adjust the bread flour as needed to achieve the right sticky texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Porcupine Bread is delightful on its own or served warm with butter. It pairs beautifully with a side of soup or salad, making it a great addition to a cozy dinner table. For a sweet touch, serve it alongside jam or honey. It also complements savory dishes, such as the Pineapple-Cheese Christmas Casserole, adding a wholesome element to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Porcupine 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 thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Porcupine Bread contains roughly 2043 calories, with 54g protein, 320g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (108% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1071mg per serving (47% 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 make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This method not only saves time but also enhances the flavor of the bread.
What can I use instead of active dry yeast?
You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast at a 1:1 ratio. There's no need to proof it in water beforehand; simply mix it with the dry ingredients. This can save you a bit of time during preparation.
Can I add other ingredients to this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter version. This bread is versatile, so you can customize it to suit your taste preferences.
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).