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Springtime Favorite Bread (ABM)

The scent of baking bread has always been the olfactory equivalent of a warm hug, but this particular recipe holds a special place in my heart. My grandmother used to make a similar sweet bread every spring, and the aroma would fill her cozy kitchen, mingling with the scent of blooming lilacs from her garden. We’d slather thick slices with homemade butter and local honey, the sweetness a perfect counterpoint to the tartness of the season’s first berries. It wasn’t just bread; it was sunshine captured in a loaf.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 52 minutes
Yields: 1 loaf
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon salt
3 3/4 cups bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons dry milk
3/4 cup raisins
1 1/2 teaspoons shredded orange peel (optional)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Equipment Needed

Bread Machine

Instructions

Carefully measure all ingredients. This recipe relies on accurate measurements for the best results.
Add the ingredients to your bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, this means starting with liquids, followed by dry ingredients, and ending with the yeast.
First, pour 1 cup of water into the bread machine pan.
Next, add 1/4 cup of butter or margarine, cut into smaller pieces for even distribution.
Crack 1 egg into the pan.
Pour in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Add 1 1/4 teaspoons of almond extract.
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt.
Measure out 3 3/4 cups of bread flour and add it to the pan. Ensure all liquid ingredients are covered by the flour.
Add 1/2 cup of sugar on top of the flour.
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of dry milk evenly over the sugar.
Add 3/4 cup of raisins. Scatter them evenly across the top of the dry ingredients.
If desired, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of shredded orange peel.
Finally, make a small well in the center of the flour and add 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
Secure the bread machine pan into the bread machine.
Select the “sweet bread” cycle on your machine. This cycle is specifically designed for doughs with higher sugar content, which can affect the rising and baking process.
Press “start” and allow the bread machine to work its magic.
Once the bread is done, carefully remove the pan from the machine using oven mitts, as it will be hot.
Immediately turn the loaf out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing, for at least 30 minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your egg is at room temperature. This helps it incorporate more evenly into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture.
Yeast Activation: If you’re unsure about the potency of your yeast, you can proof it first. Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm (not hot) water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams up within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go.
Flour Power: The humidity in your environment can affect the amount of flour needed. If the dough seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
Nut Addition: Consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans along with the raisins for added texture and flavor. About 1/2 cup should be sufficient.
Extract Exploration: Feel free to experiment with different extracts. A combination of vanilla and lemon extract can be a delightful twist.
Doneness Check: Although the bread machine controls the baking time, you can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Preventing a Dark Crust: If your bread machine tends to produce a dark crust, you can lightly tent the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Dough Troubleshooting: If the dough doesn’t rise properly, it could be due to inactive yeast, incorrect liquid temperature, or too much salt.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Springtime Favorite Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm, sliced, and spread with butter, jam, or honey. It makes excellent toast, French toast, or bread pudding.

Room Temperature: Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen bread can last for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave.
Reheating: Reheat slices in a toaster, under the broiler, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Whole loaves can be reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	307 kcal	15%
Total Fat	6.3 g	8%
Saturated Fat	3.5 g	18%
Cholesterol	36 mg	12%
Sodium	284 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	55.8 g	20%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	17.6 g	N/A
Protein	6.8 g	14%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. (These values are estimates and may vary.)

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free bread flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture.
Dairy-Free Delight: Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use a dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) instead of dry milk, adding it in liquid form to the water.
Seasonal Fruit: Swap the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
Citrus Zest: Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon, lime, or grapefruit instead of orange peel.
Herbaceous Twist: For a savory-sweet bread, try adding a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme.
Chocolate Chips: Substitute some of the raisins with chocolate chips for a decadent treat.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: While you can use all-purpose flour, bread flour is recommended for its higher protein content, which helps develop the gluten and gives the bread a chewier texture. The bread will still be good with all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly different.

Q: My bread is sinking in the middle. What did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if there’s too much liquid in the dough or if the yeast has risen too quickly. Ensure you’re using accurate measurements and consider reducing the amount of liquid slightly. Also, make sure the bread machine is in a draft-free area and the room temperature isn’t too warm.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can. If using instant yeast, you can add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing it first. Use the same amount (2 teaspoons).

Q: Can I make this recipe without a bread machine?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a conventional oven. After the first rise (which would take about an hour in a warm place), punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Q: My bread is too sweet. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the bread’s texture and helps activate the yeast. Start by reducing the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons and see if that suits your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Springtime Favorite Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to cherished memories and the simple joys of baking. I encourage you to try it, adapt it to your own preferences, and share it with the people you love. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter, toasted with jam, or transformed into a decadent bread pudding, I hope this loaf brings a little sunshine into your kitchen and your day.

Springtime Favorite Bread (Abm) Recipe