Spiced Apple Date Granola Bread
This delightful Spiced Apple Date Granola Bread combines the natural sweetness of pitted dates and applesauce with a rich blend of whole grains and crunch from granola. The recipe is designed for a bread machine, making it easy to prepare at home. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, this moist and flavorful loaf offers a hint of warm cinnamon, enticing aromas, and the nourishing goodness of apples. Enjoy it plain or toasted with a little butter for an extra indulgence!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsweetened apple juice
3/4 cup (at room temperature)
unsweetened applesauce
2/3 cup (at room temperature)
salt
1 teaspoon
liquid honey
2 tablespoons
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
whole wheat flour
1 cup
bread flour
2 1/4 cups
pitted dates
2/3 cup (chopped)
granola cereal
1/3 cup (unsweetened)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
bread machine yeast or instant yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Ensure that the applesauce and apple juice are at room temperature. If using granola, check that it is unsweetened; reduce the honey by 1-2 teaspoons if it's sweetened.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened apple juice, applesauce, salt, honey, and vegetable oil. Mix well.
3
In the bread machine baking pan, layer the mixture: first add the wet ingredients, followed by the whole wheat flour, bread flour, ground cinnamon, and then the pitted dates and granola. Finally, make a small well in the flour mixture and add the yeast.
4
Insert the baking pan into the bread machine and close the lid.
5
Select the Whole Wheat Cycle on your machine and press start.
6
Once the baking cycle is finished, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine. Allow the bread to cool slightly for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
7
Let the bread cool completely to room temperature before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Apple Date Granola Bread?
This is a nutritious bread machine loaf that combines whole wheat flour, applesauce, dates, and granola for a flavorful and crunchy texture.
Can I make this bread without a bread machine?
Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer, let it rise, and then bake it in a conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which bread machine cycle should I use?
You should use the Whole Wheat Cycle on your bread machine to ensure the whole wheat flour has enough time to rise.
Can I substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour?
You can, but bread flour is recommended for a better rise and a more chewy texture due to its higher protein content.
What should I do if my granola is already sweetened?
If your granola is sweetened, reduce the amount of liquid honey in the recipe by 1 to 2 teaspoons to maintain the proper sweetness balance.
Can I use apple cider instead of apple juice?
Yes, unsweetened apple cider can be used as a direct substitute for apple juice for a deeper apple flavor.
Is it necessary for the applesauce to be at room temperature?
Yes, using room temperature ingredients like applesauce and juice ensures that the yeast activates properly during the baking cycle.
How should I store Spiced Apple Date Granola Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the loaf whole or sliced for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
It is not recommended to swap them directly because applesauce provides specific moisture and binding properties essential for this bread machine recipe.
What type of granola works best?
A simple, crunchy, and unsweetened granola works best to provide texture without making the bread overly sweet.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil.
What can I use if I do not have dates?
You can substitute the chopped dates with raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried figs.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the liquid honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread machine will alert you when the cycle is done, and the loaf should have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped.
Why do I need to layer the ingredients in a specific order?
Layering wet ingredients first and yeast last in a dry well prevents the yeast from activating too early, which is crucial for timed cycles.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of bread machine yeast?
Yes, but you may need to dissolve it in the warm apple juice first to ensure it activates, as bread machine yeast is designed to be mixed directly with dry ingredients.
Is this bread healthy?
Yes, it contains whole wheat flour for fiber and uses applesauce and honey for natural sweetness, making it a nutritious snack or breakfast option.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely, adding 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the dates would add a nice crunch and flavor.
How long does the Whole Wheat Cycle usually take?
Most bread machines take between 3 and 4 hours for a full Whole Wheat Cycle, which includes extra time for preheating and rising.
Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?
This recipe is designed for wheat-based flours; gluten-free flour may require different liquid ratios and a specific gluten-free machine setting.
Do I need to grease the bread machine pan?
Usually, bread machine pans are non-stick and do not require greasing, but check your specific manufacturer's instructions.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
Common reasons include expired yeast, liquids that were too cold or too hot, or measuring the flour too heavily.
Can I reduce the salt in this recipe?
You can reduce the salt slightly, but salt is important for controlling the yeast's growth and strengthening the dough's structure.
What is the best way to slice this bread?
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack and use a sharp serrated bread knife for clean, even slices.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Yes, if you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the ground cinnamon to 1.5 or 2 teaspoons.
Is this bread suitable for children?
Yes, it is a soft, naturally sweet bread that is generally very popular with children.
What size loaf does this recipe make?
This recipe produces approximately a 1.5-pound to 2-pound loaf depending on the density of your ingredients.
What should I serve with this bread?
It is delicious toasted with butter, cream cheese, or a thin layer of almond butter.
How many slices are in one loaf?
Depending on how thick you cut them, one loaf typically yields 10 to 12 generous slices.