| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 383 | 18g | 7g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 2g | 6g | 0.32g |
As someone raised in Louisiana with my heart rooted in French cuisine, the enchanting allure of Pawpaw Bread stole my heart from the very first bite. The use of pawpaw, a luscious fruit native to North America, in this bread brings a unique, exotic twist, making the dish a mesmerizing interplay of diverse cultures on the breakfast table. What mesmerizes me about this recipe is how it brilliantly blends my Creole heritage with a rustic, home-baked charm.
The Sensational Taste of Pawpaw
When it comes to the taste of this bread, one cannot overlook the pawpaw’s rich contribution. The creamy, custard-like flavor of pawpaw with a delightful melange of banana, cantaloupe, and mango notes gives a tantalizing spotlight to this bread recipe. Not only is it a flavor powerhouse, but this fruit is also packed with numerous health benefits. It is highly rich in Vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and dietary fibers, offering a much-needed nutritional punch to our beloved recipe.
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Comparisons and Pairings
Texture-wise, Pawpaw Bread bears a striking resemblance to banana bread or zucchini bread, having that same moist, dense crumb that pairs so well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It also functions perfectly as a sweet treat alongside savory soups like the classic French Onion Soup or a hearty Lentil Soup.
If opting for the additional crunch, introducing chopped walnuts or pecans elevates the texture, and the inclusion of raisins or diced dried fruit can harmonize with the natural sweetness of the pawpaw, adding more dimensions to this fruitful delight.
Ultimately, the triumph of this Pawpaw Bread recipe lies in its ability to unite diverse flavors into a beautiful symphony. The balance of fruitiness, nuttiness, and gentle spices wraps you in a sweet, homey comfort that seem to resonate with my Louisiana roots and the complexities of its rich gastronomic culture. It’s recipes like these, rich in tradition yet open to innovation, that truly make baking a passionately rewarding experience.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed pawpaw pulp
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or diced dried fruit (optional)
Method
Step One
Firstly, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
Step Two
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, thoroughly beat the 2 large eggs. Then add in the 1 cup mashed pawpaw pulp, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Four
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. Mix until the dry ingredients are completely moistened.
Step Five
If desired, fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, and 1/2 cup of raisins or diced dried fruit. Stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step Six
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step Seven
Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step Eight
Slice the pawpaw bread and serve. Enjoy this delicious and healthy treat!
