Quick Bran Bread
A hearty and nutritious quick bran bread with sweet dates and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or snack, suitable for health-conscious or busy bakers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add bran and chopped dates to the sifted mixture.
- Blend in the beaten egg and milk until well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour at 375°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure your dates are pitted and chopped finely for even distribution. If you're out of milk, any non-dairy milk works as a good alternative. Also, make sure to grease your loaf pan well to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Bran Bread is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with butter, honey, or your favorite jam. It pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of oatmeal or a side of fresh fruit for breakfast. Consider enjoying it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or soup.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bran bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer where it can last up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and toast or warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Bran Bread contains roughly 791 calories, with 9g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% 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 fruit instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute chopped fresh fruit, such as bananas or apples, for the dates. However, be mindful that fresh fruit may add additional moisture, so you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Quick Bran Bread gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Additionally, ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still turn out delicious. Also, check the bran source to ensure it's gluten-free.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans will enhance the texture and flavor of the bread. Just chop them roughly and mix them in with the bran and dates. Keep in mind to adjust the sugar level slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread, as nuts add a natural richness.
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).