If you’re on the hunt for a delightful twist on traditional quick breads, the Watermelon Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the subtle sweetness and natural moisture of watermelon puree, this bread is surprisingly tender and lightly fruity, making it a perfect summer treat or any time you want a fresh, unique loaf on your table. It combines simple pantry staples with that unexpected watermelon charm to create a bread that’s as delicious as it is intriguing. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe brings a joyful pop of color and taste to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Watermelon Bread Recipe plays a key role in balancing flavor, moisture, and texture. The mix is straightforward but each item contributes to creating that perfect loaf you’ll fall in love with.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your bread, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Essential for leavening, this helps your bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a gentle warmth that pairs wonderfully with the watermelon.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Gives your loaf that touch of sweetness, balancing out the tartness of the fruit.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup watermelon puree: The star of the show, providing moisture, flavor, and a subtle pink hue.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors and adds depth with a sweet fragrance.
- 1/2 cup chopped watermelon (optional): For an extra juicy burst of texture in every bite.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk): Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the crumb.
How to Make Watermelon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start off by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures it is perfectly primed to bake your watermelon bread evenly. Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal, so nothing sticks and your loaf comes out flawlessly shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the ground cinnamon. This combo is what provides the bread with its lift and a subtle spicy note that complements the watermelon’s sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture turns smooth and slightly pale. Next, stir in the watermelon puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. This mix brings moisture, flavor depth, and richness that your loaf relies on to come out tender and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the batter can make your bread tough instead of soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in the Extras
For added texture and surprise, fold in the chopped watermelon if you’re using it, along with your buttermilk or milk. This step infuses extra juiciness and slight tang, making the bread more complex and moist.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, being sure to test doneness with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, your watermelon bread is ready.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This makes slicing easier and lets the flavors settle. Now, slice up your beautiful loaf and prepare to enjoy!
How to Serve Watermelon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor of your watermelon bread by topping slices with fresh watermelon chunks, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream cheese for richness. These touches make it feel special and inviting at any occasion.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully alongside a light salad or fresh fruit salad to keep the meal bright and refreshing. For breakfast or brunch, try serving it with your favorite yogurt or honey for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your watermelon bread and create mini sandwiches with cream cheese and mint leaves or layer it with fruit preserves to turn it into a delightful dessert. For an unforgettable party snack, cut into cubes and skewer with watermelon balls and fresh herbs for a fun-to-eat bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover watermelon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh, perfect for enjoying the next day without losing any of that lovely texture.
Freezing
Watermelon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for convenience.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, gently toast slices in a toaster or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back the bread’s softness and enhances the fruity aroma, making every bite just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh watermelon for the puree?
Absolutely! Fresh watermelon makes the best puree with the brightest flavor. Just blend the watermelon flesh and drain any excess juice if it’s too watery to maintain the perfect batter consistency.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
You can easily substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle before adding it to your batter; this mimics buttermilk’s tang and tenderizing effect.
Is this bread sweet enough without added sugar?
The watermelon adds natural sweetness, but the recipe relies on granulated sugar to balance flavors and texture. Reducing sugar might affect the loaf’s tenderness and rise, but you can experiment to your taste.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the bread?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Just fold them in along with the chopped watermelon to maintain the loaf’s texture balance.
How long does watermelon bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will stay fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, refrigeration is recommended, but that can dry the bread out unless tightly wrapped.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully refreshing about this Watermelon Bread Recipe that makes it stand out from your everyday quick bread. It’s fun to make, surprisingly flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you try baking this loaf, you might find it becoming your go-to recipe whenever you want a little fruity magic in your baking. Dive in and let the sweet, tender crumb brighten your kitchen and your day!
Print
Watermelon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This refreshing Watermelon Bread combines the sweet, juicy flavor of watermelon with a tender, moist loaf perfect for summer. Featuring a subtle cinnamon hint and optional juicy watermelon chunks, this unique bread is easy to make and delicious for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup watermelon puree (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped watermelon (optional, for added texture)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs until smooth and slightly fluffy. Add the watermelon puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in the chopped watermelon pieces if using, then add the buttermilk to the batter and mix until smooth for added moisture and texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface for even baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, allowing it to firm up slightly.
- Finish Cooling and Serve: Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with butter or cream cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh watermelon puree gives the best flavor, but canned watermelon puree works as a convenient alternative.
- Chopped watermelon adds moisture and texture but can be omitted if a firmer bread is preferred.
- Substitute buttermilk with regular milk if unavailable, but buttermilk helps with tenderness.
- Store leftover bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread is best enjoyed within a few days to maintain freshness as watermelon adds extra moisture.
