Spiced Nut Bread: A Holiday Tradition
This spiced nut bread fills the kitchen with warm cinnamon and nutmeg aromas and brings a cozy, nostalgic holiday feel to any gathering. It’s a beloved family tradition that pairs sweet and savory flavors with the crunch of mixed nuts, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well blended.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is incorporated.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine, making sure not to overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Fold in the mixed nuts and raisins or dried cranberries if you’re using them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook’s Notes
Feel free to switch up the nuts based on your preference—pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios all work beautifully. If you love spice, add a bit more or mix in some cardamom for a unique twist, and know that the bread tastes even better after sitting a day, as the flavors meld together.
Ingredient Swaps
Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or stir in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing brightness. You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or a non-dairy alternative, and melted butter works well in place of the oil.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of tea on a chilly afternoon, or serve it alongside coffee at holiday gatherings and potlucks for a cozy, festive treat.
Storage & Reheating
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for longer storage. To reheat, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a low oven until heated through.
Common Questions
Can I make spiced nut bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this bread a day or two in advance, and it actually tastes better after sitting for a bit as the flavors meld together.
How do I store spiced nut bread?
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I substitute ingredients in the spiced nut bread recipe?
Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or a non-dairy alternative, and melted butter works well in place of the oil—just be sure to keep the flour amount the same to maintain the right texture.
