Last Updated on November 21, 2024
This Maple Walnut Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and makes a wonderful gift.
Maple is usually known as a fall flavor because that’s when maple-flavored products are produced and also when the leaves change colors. Since fall is still a warm season part of the time and a cooler season the rest of the time, this maple nut loaf can be served with a cup of iced coffee or a copycat Starbucks vanilla sweet cream or tea.
If you enjoy the maple flavor, then you’ll also enjoy these maple glazed baked pork chops. They’re so simple to make and full of the sweet maple flavor that your entire family will enjoy.
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What is so Special About Walnuts?
One of the best things about baking with walnuts is that they not only provide a tasty crunch, but are also full of health benefits. This Walnut Bread is a great way to get those benefits while also enjoying a delicious and easy-to-make quick bread.
Walnuts are rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, and may have additional health benefits, including:
- Omega-3s and antioxidants may help prevent heart disease.
- Healthy fats and antioxidants may improve brain function.
- Polyphenols, a beneficial plant compound found in walnuts, may lower the risk of some cancers.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid in walnuts, may reduce inflammation.
- Walnuts may promote a healthy gut by introducing more beneficial bacteria.
- Walnuts may help manage blood sugar levels and suppress appetite, which may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is a delicious and easy-to-make quick bread. It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, so you can enjoy this great-tasting treat on any occasion.
- Easy to make: One of my readers said, “I was initially hesitant to make it because it mixed using a pastry cutter rather than a hand mixer. But honestly, I think it took 20 minutes from the time it took to grab the ingredients, turn the oven on, prepare the loaf pan, chop the walnuts, cut the cold butter into the dry mix, combine the wet ingredients, and get the pan into the oven. So easy and so delicious.”
- Great gift idea: Since it’s so easy to make, you can share it with neighbors or friends. They’ll appreciate receiving this fall comfort food to brighten their day.
- Fills the house with a delicious aroma: This quick bread smells so good while it’s baking. It will be hard to wait for it to cool down before you enjoy a slice.
If you love making delicious quick bread at home then this 3 Ingredient Banana Bread recipe is for you.
🥘 Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious homemade maple nut loaf recipe. Gather these ingredients and get ready to enjoy this soft quick bread recipe.
Butter: I like to use salted butter for this recipe. Just note that you don’t want to soften it for this homemade nut loaf.
Chopped walnuts: I used raw walnuts. You can use roasted in a pinch though.
Maple Syrup: The best type of maple syrup to use is Grade A Dark Color with Robust Taste. It has a strong, rich maple flavor that stands out in baked goods and complements the walnuts well by adding a delightful sweetness to the bread.
.See recipe card for complete list of ingredients and quantities
🔀 Substitutions
Butter: Use an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option with added protein.
Milk: I used whole milk in this recipe, however, you can use any type of milk that you have on hand.
🌈 Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Here are a few ways that you can change up this recipe to suit your tastebuds.
Add in some chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
Use a different type of nut: Substitute chopped pecans for walnuts.
Add a streusel topping: Add a streusel topping made of ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and ¼ cup chopped walnuts. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the batter before baking.
For a breakfast bread with a different type of nut flavor, try this Nutella banana bread recipe.
🥄 Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
You only need a few kitchen tools to help you make this delicious recipe.
- Sifter: You will need a sifter so that your flour turns out light and fluffy.
- Loaf pan: A basic 9-inch loaf pan will work for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls: Two mixing bowls are needed for the wet and dry ingredients.
- Pastry cutter: You use this to cut the butter into the flour mixture.
🔪 How to Make Maple Walnut Bread
Making this maple nut loaf is so simple. Just follow the instructions below and you will have a delicious loaf of quick bread in no time at all.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 F. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper with an overhang on the sides. Set aside.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) into a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Blend in the Cold Butter
Add butter slices into the bowl and use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Continue until the ingredients are fully incorporated with one another and stick together slightly when pinched.
Step 4: Stir in Sugar and Walnuts
Add sugar and walnuts. Mix.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together eggs and milk. Add maple syrup.
Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add wet ingredients to the flour and butter mixture. Slowly incorporate all ingredients by mixing. The batter will be slightly lumpy.
Step 7: Bake the Loaf
Pour into the lined loaf pan and bake for 45-60 minutes. Test its readiness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it is ready.
Step 8: Allow Loaf to Cool
Allow to set in the pan for about 5-10 minutes, then place on a wire rack and allow to cool before serving.
Pro Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure that this recipe turns out perfectly for you every time that you make it.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Otherwise, it will make the bread dense.
- Lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor and add a pleasant crunch.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently to prevent the bread from collapsing.
- Serve with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
❓ Recipe FAQs
This maple nut loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
Yes, you can freeze this recipe. Place the cooled loaf in a freezer-safe bag (remove as much air as possible) and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight on the counter or in the refrigerator, then warm it up in the oven for a few minutes.
Yes, you can make this recipe without the nuts. Simply omit them from the ingredients list and continue with the recipe as directed.
🙏 Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Maple Walnut Bread:
Ready to get cooking? Print off the recipe card below or toggle on Cook Mode to keep your screen from going dark while you follow along on your phone or tablet.
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📋 Recipe
Maple Walnut Bread
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Equipment
- Sifter
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup butter cut into slices (not softened)
- ¼ cup sugar + 2 tablespoons
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 5 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Begin by preheating oven to 350 F. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper, with an overhang on the sides. Set aside.
- Next, sift together dry ingredients into a mixing bowl.1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Add butter slices into the bowl and use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Continue until the ingredients are fully incorporated with one another and sticks together slightly when pinched.¾ cup butter
- Add sugar and walnuts. Mix.¼ cup sugar, ½ cup chopped walnuts
- In a separate bowl, mix together eggs and milk. Add maple syrup.3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon whole milk, 5 tablespoons maple syrup
- Slowly add wet ingredients to the flour and butter mixture. Slowly incorporate all ingredients by mixing. The batter will be slightly lumpy.
- Pour into the lined loaf pan and bake for 45-60 minutes. Test its readiness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it is ready.
- Allow to set in the pan for about 5-10 minutes then place on a wire rack and allow to cool before serving.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Otherwise, it will make the bread dense.
- Lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor and add a pleasant crunch.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently to prevent the bread from collapsing.
- Serve with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
This was very good! I added chocolate chips and would definitely make this again.
I’m so glad you liked it. That’s a delicious idea to add chocolate chips. Thanks for commenting and sharing your add-in with us.
I love this recipe sooooo much, I have made it three times in two weeks. I was initially hesitant to make it because it mixed using a pastry cutter rather than a hand mixer. But honestly, I think it took 20 minutes from the time it took to grab the ingredients, turn the oven on, prepare the loaf pan, chop the walnuts, cut the cold butter into the dry mix, combine the wet ingredients, and get the pan into the oven. So easy and so delicious. As soon as I take the pan out of the oven, I pour on an icing comprised of powdered sugar, brown sugar, and espresso over the entire loaf. Unbelievable.
I’m so glad you liked it and that it was quick and easy to make. That icing sounds like a delicious addition to the bread. Thanks for commenting.