Chew Bread Recipe

Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender texture.

Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor and moisture.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the chew bread moist and tender.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, providing structure.

Baking powder: Helps the chew bread rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Chopped nuts: Optional, but they add a delightful crunch and additional flavor.

When mixing the sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil, ensure that you beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture for your chew bread. Additionally, when folding in the chopped nuts, do so gently to avoid deflating the batter, which can affect the final texture.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, though you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can reduce the fat content and add moisture, making the bread healthier.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that also adds fiber.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bread denser.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same amount and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with dried fruit: Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can add a sweet and chewy texture, making the bread more interesting.

• To keep your chew bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moist and chewy texture for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap individual squares of chew bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container and refrigerate. This method will keep them fresh for up to a week.
• If you want to enjoy your chew bread over an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. First, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When you're ready to enjoy a piece of frozen chew bread, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a quicker option, you can microwave it on a low setting for 10-15 seconds.
• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid storing chew bread in the refrigerator for more than a week or in the freezer for more than three months.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the chew bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the chew bread with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a slice of chew bread on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the chew bread and continue to heat in 10-second intervals if needed.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before enjoying.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the chew bread on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally.
  5. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Place the chew bread in the skillet.
  3. Cover with a lid to trap the heat and moisture.
  4. Warm for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
  5. Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the chew bread.

• Mixing bowl: Combine the sugars and vegetable oil, and later mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.

• Separate bowl: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Sifter: Use to sift the dry ingredients to ensure they are well combined and free of lumps.

• Whisk: Beat the eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar and oil mixture until smooth.

• Spatula: Fold in the chopped nuts and ensure the batter is evenly spread in the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and flour accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Measure the vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt precisely.

• Baking dish: Pour the batter into this greased dish for baking.

• Toothpick: Check for doneness by inserting into the center of the chew bread.

• Cooling rack: Allow the chew bread to cool before cutting into squares.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before you start. This will save you time and make the process smoother.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine your sugar, oil, and eggs, saving you from manual mixing.

Sift dry ingredients together: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in advance to ensure even distribution and save time.

Chop nuts in bulk: If you’re using nuts, chop them in bulk and store them for future use.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line your baking dish for easy cleanup and quick removal of the chew bread.