This green tomato bread is a wonderful twist on a classic treat! Soft, moist, and a bit tangy, it uses fresh green tomatoes for a unique flavor that’s definitely not common.
You’ll love how quick and simple this recipe is. Just mix, pour, and bake! I enjoy it warm with some butter, but if you can resist the smell, let it cool first—good luck with that! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: These give the bread a unique tangy flavor. If you can’t find green tomatoes, you could use zucchini for a similar texture or even ripe tomatoes in a pinch, though they’ll alter the taste slightly.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used here, but you could try replacing it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you’re cutting sugar, consider using a sugar substitute, just make sure it measures the same as sugar.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist. You could swap it for melted coconut oil or applesauce if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
Nuts or Raisins: I love adding walnut chunks for a nice crunch, but you can skip them if you’re nut-free. Dried cranberries or chocolate chips work great as alternatives, too!
How Do I Ensure My Bread Turns Out Moist and Fluffy?
To get that delicious moist texture, the key is to avoid over-mixing the batter after adding the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour is incorporated. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.
- Gently fold in the tomatoes and any nuts or raisins to keep the batter light.
- Keep an eye on the baking time! Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at 50 minutes.
Following these tips will help you bake a super tasty loaf that everyone will enjoy! Happy baking! 😊
Quick and Easy Green Tomato Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped green tomatoes (fresh, unripe)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or raisins (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 50-60 minutes for baking. Allow some time for cooling—about 10-15 minutes in the pan followed by cooling completely on a rack. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy a slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan to help prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Whisk them together well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Then, stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until just combined—be careful not to over-mix!
5. Add Green Tomatoes and Extras:
Now it’s time to fold in the chopped green tomatoes and any nuts or raisins if you’re using them. Mix until they’re evenly distributed into the batter.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top for a nice finish.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
8. Cool Down:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, dust the cooled bread with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy the delightful, moist, and mildly tangy flavor of your homemade green tomato bread!
This recipe is not only quick but also a fun way to use up those green tomatoes. Happy baking!
FAQ for Quick and Easy Green Tomato Bread
Can I Use Ripe Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
While green tomatoes provide a unique tangy flavor, you can substitute ripe tomatoes in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the bread will have a sweeter, milder taste, and you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store your leftover green tomato bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week!
Can I Freeze This Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, once the bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
You can use melted coconut oil, applesauce, or even Greek yogurt as healthier alternatives to vegetable oil. Just remember that using different fats may slightly change the texture and flavor of the bread.
