Avocado Bread

Avocado Bread Recipe - Delicious Homemade Bread with Hass Avocado and Walnuts

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50-60 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Avocado bread is a delightful twist on traditional bread recipes, incorporating the creamy texture and nutritional benefits of avocados. This unique recipe combines the healthful aspects of avocados with the comforting, familiar taste of homemade bread, resulting in a moist, flavorful loaf that's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish. Whether you're an avocado enthusiast or simply looking for a new baking adventure, this avocado bread recipe is sure to impress with its subtle flavors and satisfying texture.

History

The concept of incorporating fruits and vegetables into bread recipes is not new, but the specific idea of using avocado is a relatively modern innovation. Avocado has gained immense popularity over the past few decades due to its health benefits and versatility in various cuisines. The origin of avocado bread can be traced back to the health-conscious movements of the late 20th century, where bakers began experimenting with alternative ingredients to create more nutritious versions of traditional recipes. Avocado bread emerged as a delicious outcome of these experiments, combining the rich, buttery flavor of avocados with the staple ingredients of classic bread.

Ingredients

3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour
2 cups of sugar
1 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of baking powder
0.13 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp of salt
3 eggs
1 cup of mashed hass avocado
0.75 cup of vegetable oil
3 tsp of vanilla
1.5 cups of chopped walnuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat well, then add the avocado and oil. Blend until smooth.
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the mixture. Beat at medium speed until smooth. The mixture may be quite thick, so add 0.5 cup of water to thin it out enough to pour into the pans. Note that the mixture will still be thick.
Stir in the chopped nuts.
Grease two loaf pans and pour the mixture evenly into them. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50 – 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the loaves from the pans and allow them to cool thoroughly before slicing.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Avocado Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, indulgent variation.
2. Lemon Poppy Seed Avocado Bread: Incorporate the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for a citrusy twist.
3. Vegan Avocado Bread: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Ensure your avocados are ripe and soft to the touch for easy mashing and optimal flavor.

2. Sift the dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, even texture in the bread.

3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense loaf.

4. If the batter is too thick, adjust the consistency with a little more water, but be cautious not to make it too runny.

5. Grease the loaf pans well to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.

6. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Serving Suggestions

Avocado bread can be enjoyed on its own, toasted with a spread of butter or cream cheese, or as a complement to your favorite soup or salad. For a sweet twist, drizzle honey or maple syrup over a warm slice.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, requiring precise temperature control and timing to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Ensuring even distribution of heat in the oven is key to baking a moist, evenly cooked loaf.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

2. Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace the sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option.

3. Almond or Coconut Oil: Use almond or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile and additional health benefits.

Make Ahead Tips

Avocado bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of avocado bread on a rustic wooden board with a side of whipped avocado butter or cream cheese. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Avocado bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing breakfast or afternoon snack. It also complements savory dishes such as scrambled eggs, soups, and salads, adding a unique flavor and texture to your meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover avocado bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of avocado bread contains approximately 300 calories. The calories come from a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making this bread a satisfying and energy-boosting option for a snack or part of a meal.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of avocado bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is the all-purpose flour and sugar used in the recipe. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, so a slice of this bread can provide a quick boost.

Fats

Thanks to the inclusion of avocado and vegetable oil, this bread is relatively high in healthy fats. A serving contains about 15 grams of fat, with a significant portion being monounsaturated fats from the avocado. These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Each serving of avocado bread contains around 6 grams of protein, coming from the eggs and walnuts in the recipe. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making this bread a more nutritious option than many traditional bread recipes.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocado is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. These nutrients contribute to the overall health benefits of avocado bread, supporting everything from heart health to immune function.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (gluten), and tree nuts (walnuts). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution and consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Avocado bread offers a nutritious blend of carbohydrates, healthy fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a calorie-dense food that provides energy and a range of health benefits, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Avocado bread is a nutritious, flavorful alternative to traditional bread recipes, offering a unique combination of tastes and textures. With its healthful ingredients and versatile serving options, this bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal, avocado bread is a delightful way to incorporate the benefits of avocado into your diet.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who was known for her delicious avocado bread. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She graciously agreed to teach me how to make it, and I eagerly set out to learn the secret behind this unique and delectable bread.

The first step in making avocado bread was to gather all the necessary ingredients. Maria explained that the key to making the bread moist and flavorful was using ripe avocados. She showed me how to pick the perfect avocados – ones that were slightly soft to the touch but not overly mushy.

Next, we gathered flour, sugar, eggs, and a few other basic ingredients. Maria emphasized the importance of using high-quality ingredients, as this would ensure the best possible flavor and texture in the bread.

As we began to mix the ingredients together, Maria shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that avocado bread had been a staple in her family for generations, originally hailing from her grandmother's hometown in Mexico.

Her grandmother had learned the recipe from a neighbor who had a thriving avocado tree in her backyard. The neighbor had shared the recipe with Maria's grandmother, and it had since become a beloved family tradition.

As we mixed the ingredients together, I could already feel the anticipation building. The smell of ripe avocados mixing with sugar and flour was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

After the batter was mixed to perfection, we poured it into a greased loaf pan and popped it into the oven. Maria explained that the bread needed to bake for about an hour, until it was golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center came out clean.

As we waited for the bread to bake, Maria regaled me with stories of her grandmother and the many delicious meals she had made over the years. She shared how her grandmother had always believed in the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the bread was ready. We carefully removed it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it.

The first bite of avocado bread was pure heaven. The bread was moist and tender, with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complemented the rich flavor of the avocados. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious.

As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of gratitude for Maria and her grandmother for sharing this special recipe with me. I knew that I would cherish this recipe for years to come and pass it down to future generations, just as Maria had done with me.

And so, that is how I learned to make avocado bread – a recipe that has now become a beloved tradition in my own family. Every time I bake a loaf of avocado bread, I am reminded of the warmth and love that food can bring, and I am grateful for the memories that this simple recipe has helped me create.