Description
This whimsical Fruity Pebbles Breakfast Bread is a delightful twist on classic quick bread, perfect for a fun breakfast, brunch, or a colorful afternoon snack. Infused with the nostalgic flavor of Fruity Pebbles cereal, this bread boasts a soft, tender crumb and a vibrant, speckled appearance that will bring a smile to your face. It’s surprisingly easy to make and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup Fruity Pebbles cereal (plus extra for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. While the oven heats, prepare your loaf pan. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment paper sling makes it incredibly easy to remove the bread cleanly after baking, preventing sticking and crumbling. This step is especially important for a bread as colorful as this one, as you want it to look as appealing as it tastes.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, meticulously whisk together the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is important because it ensures that the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) and the salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This even distribution is essential for the bread to rise properly and have a consistent texture. This prevents pockets of baking soda or powder which can give a bitter taste.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. This step is absolutely crucial for creating a light and airy texture. Beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The butter needs to be properly softened at room temperature to combine smoothly with sugar. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the bread’s tenderness.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated. After the eggs are added, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and richness to the bread, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This alternating method is vital to prevent overmixing. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense bread. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the buttermilk, then another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last third of the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are okay; they’ll disappear during baking.
Step 6: Fold in Fruity Pebbles: Gently fold 1 cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal into the batter. The key word here is “gently.” You want to distribute the cereal evenly throughout the batter without crushing them or overmixing the batter. Overmixing at this stage can cause the cereal to break down and bleed their color, resulting in a less appealing loaf.
Step 7: Bake the Bread: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and lined loaf pan. Spread the batter evenly. Then, sprinkle a small handful of extra Fruity Pebbles on top of the batter for a colorful and festive finish. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper sling and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan and ensures that it cools evenly.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Fruity Pebbles Breakfast Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a trip down memory lane, a burst of childhood joy baked into every slice. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Nostalgic Flavor: The unmistakable flavor of Fruity Pebbles is instantly recognizable and evokes feelings of happiness and carefree mornings.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and simple, perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and easy treat.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the Fruity Pebbles create a visually stunning loaf that’s sure to impress.
- Moist and Tender: The combination of buttermilk and softened butter results in a bread that’s incredibly moist and tender.
- Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a simple snack.
Cooking Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of glaze.
- Toast slices and top with cream cheese or yogurt.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Cut into cubes and serve as a fun dessert topping.
- Enjoy it plain as a delightful and colorful treat.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. This is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining the loaf pan with parchment paper makes it incredibly easy to remove the bread and prevents sticking.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, brush the top of the baked loaf with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. Alternatively, whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice for a quick and easy glaze.
- Vibrant Color Boost: If you want an even more vibrant loaf, add a few drops of food coloring to the batter before baking. Use gel food coloring for the best results.
- Fruity Pebble Variation: Experiment with other cereals like Cocoa Pebbles or even a mix of both for a different flavor profile.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
50-55 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimated per slice, based on 10 slices per loaf)
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 200-250mg
(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
This Fruity Pebbles Breakfast Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for brightening up any occasion. Its vibrant color, nostalgic flavor, and easy preparation make it a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a touch of fun and sweetness to their baking repertoire. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a loaf of pure happiness! Questions and Answers About This Recipe Q1: Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Fruity Pebbles?
- A: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While Fruity Pebbles provide a specific nostalgic flavor and vibrant colors, you can easily substitute them with other cereals. Cocoa Pebbles would add a chocolatey twist, while Rice Krispies would offer a lighter, less sweet option. You could even use a mix of different cereals for a unique flavor combination. Just be mindful of the sweetness level of the cereal you choose, as some may require you to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking, as some gluten-free flours can produce a dry or crumbly result. You may also want to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum (usually about 1/2 teaspoon), to help improve the texture of the bread.
Q3: How do I prevent the Fruity Pebbles from sinking to the bottom of the loaf?
- A: To prevent the Fruity Pebbles from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, you can try a few different techniques. First, make sure the cereal is freshly opened and hasn’t been sitting out for too long, as stale cereal tends to absorb moisture and sink more easily. Secondly, toss the Fruity Pebbles with a tablespoon or two of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps to coat the cereal and prevent it from sinking. Finally, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can also cause the cereal to sink.
Q4: Can I freeze this bread?
- A: Yes, this bread freezes well. To freeze, allow the bread to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can also slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning later. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can also reheat slices of the bread in the toaster or oven for a warm, fresh-baked taste.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to this bread?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other mix-ins to this bread. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even sprinkles would all be delicious additions. Just be sure not to add too many mix-ins, as this can weigh down the batter and affect the bread’s texture. About 1/2 to 1 cup of mix-ins is usually a good amount.
