Imagine a bread that transports you to the sun-drenched landscapes of South Africa with every single bite - a magical fusion of aromatic rooibos tea and luxurious vanilla that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Vanilla Bean Rooibos Bread is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're a passionate home baker or a curious food lover, this unique bread promises to elevate your baking game and impress everyone who takes a slice.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: South African
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rooibos tea, brewed and cooled
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Brew the rooibos tea and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Ensure the tea is strong and flavorful.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the cooled rooibos tea. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with a light spread of butter.
Tips
- Tea Strength Matters: Brew your rooibos tea strong to ensure a rich, deep flavor that permeates the entire loaf.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs when the bread is perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to help it set and prevent crumbling.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestion: Enhance the flavor by serving slightly warm with a light spread of butter or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
