Spice Bread
Warm, fragrant loaf infused with cinnamon, cloves and vanilla, perfect for cozy brunches or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 pkg. (1 Tbsp.) active dry yeast ⓘ
- pinch of sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs, at room temperature and well beaten ⓘ
- 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooked ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- generous 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground coriander seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 c. unbleached white flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat milk to lukewarm (105°F).
- Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar.
- Allow to proof for 10 minutes or until foamy. Stir in eggs, melted butter, sugar, salt, spices and vanilla extract.
- Add enough flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat the top. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1½ to 2 hours. Divide into 4 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 6‑inch oval, about ½‑inch thick.
- Place loaves on a greased baking sheet and let rise, covered, for ½ hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Make decorative indentations with a thumb and brush loaves with beaten egg yolk.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough. You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the white flour for added nutrition. If your bread isn't rising well, ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk isn't too hot when activating the yeast. Kneading well is crucial to develop the gluten for a lovely texture.
Serving Suggestions
This spice bread is delightful on its own or served with butter and jam. Pair it with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack. It also makes a great base for French toast. For a festive touch, serve alongside a slice of Fruit Quick Bread for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spice 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 or warm slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spice Bread contains roughly 1016 calories, with 65g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), protein (130% of the Daily Value), and potassium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 47g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and skip the proofing step. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F.
What spices can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth. A teaspoon of allspice or cardamom can also add an intriguing flavor profile to this spice bread.
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).