Granola Bread

Granola bread is a delightful treat that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. This recipe creates a moist and flavorful bread that is ideal for breakfast or snacking. The combination of granola, chopped prunes, and cinnamon provides a delightful contrast of flavors and adds nutritional value to the bread.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2¾ cups (344 g) flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• 4 teaspoons (18.4 g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup (120 ml) egg substitute
• 1 1/3 cups (315 ml) skim milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) canola oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup (125 g) granola
• ¾ cup (131 g) chopped prunes

PREPARATION:

1. In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. In another bowl, combine the egg substitute, skim milk, canola oil, and vanilla.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just moistened. Do not overmix.
4. Fold in the granola and chopped prunes, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Grease a 3-pound (1 1/3 kg) shortening can or a similar-sized oven-safe container.
6. Pour the batter into the greased can, leaving room for the dough to rise. Cover the can loosely with foil to accommodate the dough’s expansion.
7. Place the can in the slow cooker.
8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3½ hours or until the bread is cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once cooked, remove the can from the slow cooker and let it cool for 10 minutes before removing the bread from the can.

YIELD:

• 12 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 48 g water
• 259 calories (20% from fat, 9% from protein, 71% from carbs)
• 6 g protein
• 6 g total fat
• 1 g saturated fat
• 3 g monounsaturated fat
• 2 g polyunsaturated fat
• 46 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 19 g sugar
• 131 mg phosphorus
• 147 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 224 mg sodium
• 186 mg potassium
• 147 IU vitamin A
• 17 mg ATE vitamin E
• 1 mg vitamin C
• 1 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• Choose a high-quality granola that suits your taste preferences. Look for varieties with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
• Feel free to substitute or add different dried fruits, such as raisins or dried cranberries, to personalize the bread.
• Use a shortening can or a similar oven-safe container that fits comfortably inside the slow cooker.
• Grease the can thoroughly to prevent the bread from sticking.
• When folding in the granola and chopped prunes, ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent the bread from becoming dense. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time as slow cookers may vary in temperature. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the can to prevent it from sticking or breaking apart.

Granola bread is a scrumptious and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. This recipe combines a variety of ingredients to create a flavorful and nutritious bread that will please both kids and adults alike.

The process begins by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl. This mixture forms the base of the bread and provides structure and sweetness. In a separate bowl, the wet ingredients, including egg substitute, skim milk, canola oil, and vanilla, are combined and then added to the dry ingredients. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser texture. Folding in the granola and chopped prunes adds delightful pockets of sweetness and chewiness to the bread.

To bake the granola bread, a 3-pound (1 1/3 kg) shortening can or a similar-sized oven-safe container is greased and filled with the batter. The can is then placed inside the slow cooker, which is preheated with water and covered with a lid. Cooking the bread on high for 3½ hours allows it to rise and bake to perfection. The slow cooker’s gentle heat ensures even cooking, resulting in a moist and tender loaf.

The resulting granola bread is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The granola adds a crunchy element and a hint of nuttiness, while the chopped prunes provide bursts of sweetness and a soft, chewy texture. The touch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor, making this bread a comforting and indulgent treat.

Not only is granola bread delicious, but it also offers nutritional benefits. The combination of whole wheat flour, granola, and prunes provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Whole wheat flour contributes to the fiber content, aiding in digestion and providing a sense of fullness. Granola adds heart-healthy fats, protein, and additional fiber. Chopped prunes provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium, vitamin K, and antioxidants.

This homemade granola bread is a healthier alternative to store-bought pastries and snacks. By controlling the ingredients and sweetness level, you can enjoy a delicious treat without the excess sugar and additives often found in commercial products. Plus, baking it in the slow cooker is a convenient option, particularly for those without access to a traditional oven.

Whether enjoyed plain, toasted, or with a spread of butter or nut butter, granola bread is a delightful addition to any breakfast table or afternoon snack. Its natural sweetness and hearty texture make it an excellent choice for kids’ lunches or a grab-and-go snack during busy days. With its versatility and irresistible flavor, this granola bread is sure to become a household favorite.