There’s something about the beach that makes everything a little bit better, don’t you think? The waves, the sand, and of course, the food! If you’re looking for the perfect snack to enjoy by the ocean, then you’ve got to try making this Beach Bread. It’s easy, delicious, and brings all the vibes of a summer day at the shore. Trust me, it’s the kind of bread you’ll want to pack for every beach trip from now on.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any bread; Beach Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and has the perfect crumb for a light, summery feel. The best part? It’s so simple to make, and you can adjust the flavors however you like. It’s great for a quick breakfast, snack, or even as a side for your beachside picnic. Whether you’re relaxing with family or hanging out with friends, this bread is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need for this delicious bread:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
You might have most of these ingredients already sitting in your pantry, which makes this recipe even easier to pull together when you’re craving a beach-inspired treat.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it enough time to reach the perfect temperature for baking your bread. Grab a loaf pan and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to make sure the bread doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. You want everything to blend smoothly so that you get a nice rich flavor. Don’t rush this step; mixing well is key for getting that perfect texture in the final loaf.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together your flour, baking powder, and sugar. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with clumps of baking powder or sugar in the dough.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is combined, but be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bread light and fluffy. You’ll have a thick batter by the time you’re done.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pour your batter into the greased loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. The bread should have a beautiful golden-brown top.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove your beach bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can slice it while it’s still warm, but letting it cool down just a bit helps you get the perfect slices.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Add-ins: Want to make your beach bread even more special? Add some shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They add a nice texture and flavor that’ll make this bread even more fun to eat.
- Use buttermilk: For a richer, fluffier texture, substitute buttermilk for regular milk. It adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread perfectly.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a denser loaf, so mix until just combined. A few lumps are totally okay!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Coconut Beach Bread: As mentioned above, adding shredded coconut gives this bread a tropical vibe, perfect for your beachside experience.
- Vegan Option: If you’re vegan, swap the eggs for flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer, and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk. You can also use vegan butter for an entirely plant-based loaf.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute the regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check if your baking powder is gluten-free as well!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Beach Bread is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or even some whipped cream for a more decadent treat. If you’re having a beach picnic, you could also serve it with a light cheese spread or jam. For an extra refreshing twist, enjoy it with a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This bread stays fresh for a few days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop them in a freezer bag. To reheat, you can either toast slices for a few minutes or let it thaw and warm up in the oven.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread in advance for a beach trip?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day or two before your trip and keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh and makes for a quick snack while you’re soaking up the sun.
2. Can I add fruit to this bread?
Yes! Adding fruit like berries, bananas, or even citrus zest can enhance the flavor and make it even more delightful. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
3. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
No worries! You can also bake this bread in a muffin tin or even as a round cake. Just adjust the baking time (check for doneness by inserting a toothpick).
4. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd, doubling the recipe is a great idea. Just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Beach Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a good slice of warm, slightly sweet bread. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re lounging by the ocean or just craving something delicious. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a new favorite in your recipe book!
Print
Beach Bread: A Tasty Treat for Your Coastal Getaway
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Bread, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Beach Bread is a soft, slightly sweet loaf with a light, summery crumb. It’s the perfect snack for a beach trip, picnic, or any occasion. Easy to make with common pantry ingredients, it’s customizable with add-ins like shredded coconut or dried fruits.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk (you can substitute buttermilk for a fluffier texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans) (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries) (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Bake It Up: Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice once cooled or still warm.
Notes
- To make the bread fluffier, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense bread; a few lumps are fine.
- Add-ins like coconut, nuts, or dried fruits can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg