Watermelon Bread: A Moist, Fruity Twist on Classic Quick Bread
Move over banana bread—Watermelon Bread is here to steal the summer spotlight. This colorful, sweet, and tender loaf transforms juicy watermelon into a beautifully moist quick bread that’s perfect for brunch, picnics, or a sweet snack with iced tea. With optional raisins and a hint of food coloring, it even resembles a slice of watermelon when cut!
Why I Love This Recipe
This bread is a conversation starter. People don’t expect watermelon in baked goods—but it works! The puree adds natural moisture and sweetness, and the result is a soft, tender loaf with subtle fruity flavor. Whether you’re going for flavor, fun, or both, this watermelon bread delivers.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups fresh watermelon chunks
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 1 tsp red food coloring (optional, for watermelon look)
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Watermelon: Use fresh, seedless chunks. If it’s very watery, strain lightly before pureeing.
- Butter Substitute: Oil works too, but butter adds rich flavor.
- Raisins: Optional, but they look like watermelon seeds when mixed in!
- Coloring: Adds visual fun, especially for themed parties or picnics.
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment.
2. Blend Watermelon
Puree watermelon in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Measure out 1 cup of puree.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
Beat in eggs, then add watermelon puree and food coloring if using.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Batter
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
Stir until just combined.
Add raisins if using.
6. Bake
Pour into loaf pan and smooth top.
Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool
Let cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Keeps the bread light and tender.
- Test for Doneness: A toothpick should come out with no wet batter.
- Cool Completely: The texture improves as it cools—worth the wait!
- Fun Presentation: Serve slices with a green-rind icing or melon-shaped design for fun.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair your fruity loaf with:
- Blueberry Lemonade for a super summer duo
- Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake for a sunny dessert bar
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie to contrast with a creamy treat
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for a snack-style spread
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls for balance and bite
Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Keep covered up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Store up to 1 week, wrapped tightly.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Toast to reheat.
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Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Bread is the sweetest way to capture the spirit of summer in your kitchen. With its bright color, fruity twist, and soft crumb, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Give it a try, tag @chefmaniac, and show us how you slice it! Follow for more fruity bakes, seasonal snacks, and sunshine-ready recipes.
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