Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe is a delicious almond-flavored bread that is soft, nutty and lightly sweet. It is perfect for breakfast, tea time or a cozy snack. Making this bread at home is easy and fun.
The aroma of almonds while baking fills the kitchen with warmth. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can bake this bread even if you are a beginner.
This Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe is perfect for almond lovers who want a homemade treat.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried Ina Garten Mandel Bread last weekend, and it was a big hit. The bread was soft, moist and full of almond flavor. I loved the crunchy almond topping, which added a nice texture.
Slicing the bread while warm made the kitchen smell amazing. My family enjoyed it with butter and jam.
The recipe was easy to follow and the results were impressive. It quickly became one of my favorite homemade bread recipes.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Mandel Bread
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Course: Breakfast / Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Mandel Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons sugar for topping
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together and set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer. - Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until smooth. - Combine with Dry Ingredients
Add dry ingredients in small portions. Mix gently. Alternate with milk for a soft batter. - Fold in Almonds
Fold sliced almonds into the batter. Stir gently to distribute evenly. - Transfer to Pan
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. - Add Topping
Sprinkle extra sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over the batter for crunch. - Bake the Bread
Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes. Bread should be golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. - Cool the Bread
Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Mandel Bread
- Use fresh almonds for a crunchy topping.
- Do not overmix batter to keep bread light and soft.
- Measure flour carefully to avoid dense bread.
- Cool completely before slicing to maintain shape.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking; bread can become dry.
- Using old baking powder; bread won’t rise well.
- Skipping almond extract; flavor will be less rich.
- Adding too many almonds; bread may crumble.
- Cutting before cooling; slices will be messy.
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten Mandel Bread is perfect with butter, jam or cream cheese. Serve with tea, coffee or milk. It is great for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack.
Toasting slices lightly enhances the almond flavor and crunch. This bread is also a lovely homemade gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon.
Variations You Can Try
- Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Replace milk with almond milk for a stronger almond flavor.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top after baking.
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate to keep fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freeze wrapped slices for up to 2 months.
- Warm slices in the oven or microwave for a fresh taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
Health Benefits
Mandel bread contains almonds, which are rich in healthy fats, protein and vitamin E. It provides energy and keeps you full longer. Using moderate sugar makes it a better choice than many sweet breads.
Almonds also help heart health and support good digestion. This bread is a balanced, homemade treat that tastes delicious and is better than store-bought options.
Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons sugar for topping
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
Add Eggs and Extracts
- Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until smooth.
Combine with Dry Ingredients
- Add dry ingredients in small portions. Mix gently. Alternate with milk for a soft batter.
Fold in Almonds
- Fold sliced almonds into the batter. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
Transfer to Pan
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Add Topping
- Sprinkle extra sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over the batter for crunch.
Bake the Bread
- Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes. Bread should be golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the Bread
- Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh almonds for a crunchy topping.
- Do not overmix batter to keep bread light and soft.
- Measure flour carefully to avoid dense bread.
- Cool completely before slicing to maintain shape.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten Mandel Bread
Q1: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Texture may slightly change.
Q2: Can I use almond flour instead of sliced almonds?
Yes, but the crunchy topping will be lost. Add almond flour to the batter for flavor.
Q3: How long does this bread last?
At room temperature, 3 days. Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze for 2 months.
Q4: Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?
Yes, adjust baking time to 25-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
Q5: Can I add other nuts?
Yes, pecans or walnuts work well. Keep total nut quantity similar for best results.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe is soft, nutty and lightly sweet. It is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
With simple ingredients and clear steps, anyone can bake this almond bread at home. It makes a great breakfast, snack or gift. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade almond bread.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!