Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe
The Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe is a soft, almond-flavored loaf perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Easy to make, tender, and crunchy, this bread is loved by home bakers for its warm aroma and delightful flavor.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Eggs – 2 large
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened
- Milk – ½ cup
- Almond extract – 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Sliced almonds – ½ cup, toasted
- Powdered sugar – optional
Instructions
Prepare Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the bread won’t stick.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a proper rise.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a medium bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until smooth and pale. This creates a light, fluffy base for your bread.
Add Eggs and Flavorings
- Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix gently to avoid overworking, which can make the bread dense.
Fold in Almonds
- Fold in half of the toasted sliced almonds, reserving the rest for topping. Gently incorporate for texture and crunch.
Pour into Pan
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth top with a spatula. Sprinkle remaining almonds on top for a beautiful finish.
Bake the Bread
- Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and fragrant.
Cool and Slice
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice only when cooled for clean cuts.
Optional Dusting
- Optional: sprinkle powdered sugar over cooled loaf for added sweetness and pretty presentation.
Notes
- Toast almonds lightly for stronger flavor
- Do not overmix batter for a soft texture
- Slice only when cooled for clean cuts
- Optional powdered sugar adds sweetness and a pretty finish