Walnut bread – just the mention of it evokes warm, comforting memories of cozy breakfasts and afternoons spent with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, walnut bread is a treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 18 mouthwatering walnut bread recipes, each one showcasing the versatility and flavor of this beloved ingredient.
From classic combinations like honey glaze and cinnamon swirl to innovative twists featuring maple drizzle, cream cheese frosting, and more, there’s something for everyone in our collection. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion treat or just a quick breakfast option, we’ve got you covered with these delicious walnut bread recipes.
Classic Walnut Bread with Honey Glaze
Classic Walnut Bread with Honey Glaze Recipe
Experience the warmth of a traditional walnut bread infused with the sweetness of honey in this simple and satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add the chopped walnuts and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before drizzling with honey glaze (mix equal parts honey and water).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cinnamon Swirl Walnut Bread
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat! This Cinnamon Swirl Walnut Bread is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, featuring the warmth of cinnamon, crunch of walnuts, and softness of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
3. Add warm water, milk, and melted butter; mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Mix cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle evenly over the dough.
6. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the cinnamon mixture.
7. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one long side. Place in prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Whole Wheat Walnut Bread
Moist and flavorful, this whole wheat walnut bread is a perfect treat for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water (about 100°F)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, walnuts, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, proof yeast by mixing it with warm water. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
3. Add yeast mixture to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Add olive oil and mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Banana Walnut Bread with Maple Drizzle
Moist and flavorful banana walnut bread gets a boost of sweetness from a rich maple drizzle, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Maple drizzle (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Maple Drizzle:
1. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup pure maple syrup and 2 tbsp heavy cream.
2. Heat over low heat, whisking constantly, until smooth and warm.
3. Remove from heat; let cool slightly before drizzling over the cooled banana bread.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Vegan Walnut Bread with Flaxseed
Savor the rich flavors of this wholesome vegan walnut bread infused with the nutty goodness of flaxseed, perfect for a snack or sandwich filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup walnut pieces
– 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
– 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (almond or soy)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add walnut pieces and flaxseed; stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir until just combined (do not overmix).
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pumpkin Walnut Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Warm up to the cozy flavors of fall with this moist and flavorful pumpkin walnut bread, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, and eggs. Stir in chopped walnuts and softened butter until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread over cooled bread.
Gluten-Free Walnut Bread
This gluten-free walnut bread recipe yields a deliciously moist loaf packed with the rich flavor of walnuts. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just snacking on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, salt, and xanthan gum.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
4. Stir in melted butter, walnuts, and apple cider vinegar until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chocolate Chip Walnut Bread
Moist and flavorful, this bread combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness of chocolate chips and the earthiness of walnuts. Perfect for a snack or as a base for sandwiches.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Orange Zest Walnut Bread
This bread combines the brightness of orange zest with the earthiness of walnuts, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this Orange Zest Walnut Bread is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 1 orange)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in orange zest, walnuts, and milk.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Rosemary and Walnut Bread
This savory bread combines the earthy flavors of rosemary and walnuts, perfect for accompanying soups, salads, or as a side to your favorite meal. With its crispy crust and soft interior, this bread is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, rosemary, walnuts, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, proof the yeast by adding warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
4. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Walnut Bread with Caramel Topping
Moist apple walnut bread infused with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a rich caramel glaze – perfect for cozying up on a crisp fall day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or Fuji)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt to taste
– Caramel topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add melted butter, egg, chopped apples, and walnuts. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Caramel Topping:
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened. Pour over cooled bread.
Sourdough Walnut Bread
This recipe combines the tangy flavor of sourdough bread with the rich, nutty taste of walnuts, creating a delicious and unique loaf. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this bread is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup walnut halves
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined.
2. Add walnuts and mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Gradually add water while mixing the dough until it comes together in a sticky ball.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then shape into a round or oblong loaf.
5. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap.
6. Let the bread proof at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Walnut Bread with Cardamom
This fragrant bread is perfect for a cozy afternoon or as a sweet treat to accompany your morning coffee. The combination of warm spices, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic cardamom creates a delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and milk; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Date and Walnut Bread
This sweet bread is perfect for breakfast or a snack, with the natural sweetness of dates and the crunch of walnuts. It’s easy to make and is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine chopped dates, brown sugar, and walnuts.
4. Add milk, egg, and melted butter to the date mixture; mix until well combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Olive Oil Walnut Bread
Olive Oil Walnut Bread Recipe: A rich and flavorful bread infused with the distinct taste of olive oil and crunchy texture of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, whole wheat flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Gradually pour in olive oil and continue kneading until the dough is smooth.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
Savory Walnut Bread with Herbs
Elevate your bread game with this savory walnut loaf infused with fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish or used to make sandwiches, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, walnuts, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water, olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in prepared loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Elevate your dessert game with this indulgent walnut bread pudding, served with a creamy vanilla sauce. This comforting treat is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and walnuts.
3. Pour in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until bread is evenly coated.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Allow pudding to cool slightly before serving with warm Vanilla Sauce (recipe below).
Vanilla Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, whisking until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened. Serve warm over walnut bread pudding.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut and Fig Bread with Balsamic Glaze
This sweet and savory bread combines the richness of walnuts and figs with the tanginess of balsamic glaze, perfect for a snack or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the mixture. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, walnuts, and figs. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. While the bread is baking, mix balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl to create the glaze.
7. Remove the bread from the oven and brush with the balsamic glaze.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavor of walnuts with these 18 delicious walnut bread recipes perfect for any occasion. From classic and sweet to savory and spicy, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making a honey glazed classic, or get creative with cinnamon swirls, banana bread with maple drizzle, and more. The article also includes gluten-free, vegan, and sourdough options for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking for a simple snack or a show-stopping dessert, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.