Utilizing fresh watermelon in your baking might seem unusual, but trust me, it’s an adventure worth taking. This Watermelon Bread Recipe With Fresh Watermelon is a delightful twist on your classic quick bread, transforming a juicy summer fruit into a moist and flavorful loaf. Imagine biting into a slice of bread that bursts with the sweet, refreshing taste of watermelon. It’s not just a treat for the belly; it’s a sensory experience, too! The bread pairs perfectly with morning coffee or serves as a light dessert after dinner. With the combination of butter and sugar creating a rich base that balances the fruit’s natural sweetness, every slice is sure to impress. Grab your blender and the basics from your pantry; you’ll whip up this beauty in no time. Let’s get started!
Why This Recipe Works
Using fresh watermelon not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the bread moist and fluffy. Watermelon has high water content, which translates to a less dense loaf. This recipe also combines butter and sugar to create a rich base, balancing perfectly with the natural sweetness of the watermelon. Just imagine how that flavors all come together! Adding raisins gives an extra pop of flavor while also providing a bit of texture. And if you’re feeling fancy, a touch of red food coloring can make the loaf eye-catching, too.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Bread Recipe With Fresh Watermelon
This unique recipe transforms a beloved summer fruit into a delightful baked treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Not many bread recipes pull off using fruits in such a fun way! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment beyond a blender and the basics of your kitchen gear. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, pulling in family and friends. All of a sudden, everyone will want a slice of your colorful loaf! It’s a standout addition to any recipe collection.
Ingredients for Watermelon Bread
Gather these ingredients to get started on your Watermelon Bread Recipe With Fresh Watermelon:
- 1 1/2 cups watermelon chunks
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Making Your Watermelon Bread
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
First off, let’s preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with non-stick cooking spray. It’s important to have it ready to go!
Puree the Watermelon
Now, grab your blender or food processor. Puree the watermelon chunks until you have a smooth mixture. Measure out 1 cup of the watermelon puree for the recipe. If there’s any extra, you can set it aside or blend it into a refreshing drink later!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. The goal here is to beat these two together until you get a mixture that is light and fluffy. This step is important as it creates a nice base for your bread.
Combine Eggs and Watermelon Puree
Next, add your eggs to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure to beat them in until they’re fully combined. Once that’s done, gently fold in the watermelon puree, mixing until the batter is uniform. You’re really building nice flavors here!
Incorporate Color (Optional)
If you’re the creative type and wish to make your loaf visually appealing, mix in the red food coloring now. Aim for an even distribution throughout the batter; it’s amazing how a little color can elevate the dish!
Mix Dry Ingredients
Now let’s switch gears to the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid the urge to overmix; we want a light bread, after all.
Add Raisins (Optional)
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent and want to sweeten things up further, toss in those raisins now. Fold them into the batter so they’re evenly mixed and ready to add a delightful texture to each slice.
Pour and Bake the Batter
Scoop your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Now, it’s time to bake in your preheated oven for about 1 hour. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when you insert a toothpick into the center, and it comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Once your watermelon bread is beautifully baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience is key here, but the wait will be worth it when you dig in!
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy slices of your watermelon bread straight up or toasted—both ways are delicious! Try topping it with butter or cream cheese for an extra decadent treat. If you’re in the mood for balance, pairing slices with refreshing mint tea or a light summer salad creates a delightful dining experience.
Tips for Success
You want the best flavor and moisture content, so be sure your watermelon is ripe. After mixing in the flour, avoid overmixing to keep the bread light. Your baking time might slightly vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it!
Variations
Feel free to switch things up! Substitute raisins with chocolate chips for a sweet twist or add chopped nuts for a nice crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of flavor to take your Watermelon Bread Recipe With Fresh Watermelon to new heights.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover watermelon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, slice it up and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to defrost it before enjoying!
FAQs
1. Can I use watermelon juice instead of pureeing fresh watermelon?
Yes, just make sure you have enough volume to equal 1 cup after reducing it if necessary.
2. Is it okay to skip the food coloring?
Absolutely—it’s still going to be delicious without it!
3. Can I add other fruits?
Feel free to experiment with other fruits like bananas or berries, but keep moisture content in mind.
4. What can I serve with watermelon bread?
It pairs well with yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
5. How long does this bread stay fresh?
Best consumed within 3 days at room temperature or can be frozen for delightful enjoyment later.
Baking your own Watermelon Bread with Fresh Watermelon not only allows you to use up leftover fruit but also gives you a lovely, inviting treat to share. This recipe, with its straightforward steps and simple ingredients, makes the process enjoyable—you’ll savor each bite while creating new memories around the table!
PrintWatermelon Bread
This delightful watermelon bread offers a fresh twist on classic quick bread. With its moist texture and subtle sweetness, it’s ideal for breakfast or dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups watermelon chunks
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Puree the watermelon chunks until smooth and measure 1 cup for the recipe.
- Cream together softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs until fully combined, then fold in the watermelon puree.
- If desired, add red food coloring for visual appeal.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Ensure watermelon is ripe for the best flavor.
Avoid overmixing after adding the flour to keep the bread light.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 40