Hainanese Friendship Bread

Ingredients

Hainanese Friendship Bread differs from the original Amish Friendship Bread by incorporating Hainanese flavors and ingredients. It replaces the traditional spices and fruits with ginger, pandan leaves, and coconut milk, which are commonly used in Hainanese cuisine. This adaptation adds a distinct Southeast Asian twist to the bread, infusing it with a delightful aroma and unique taste. We alse have the original recipe for Amish Friendship Bread, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon pandan juice (optional, for color and flavor) 1 tablespoon pandan juice (optional, for color and flavor)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and pandan juice (if using).
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
8. 8.
   Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Pandan juice — If using fresh pandan leaves, blend them with a little water and strain the juice before adding it to the batter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some desiccated coconut on top of the bread before baking.
• If you don't have pandan juice, you can substitute it with a few drops of pandan essence or extract.
• Serve the bread warm with a spread of kaya (coconut jam) for an authentic Hainanese experience.
• This bread is best enjoyed within a day or two of baking. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Feel free to experiment with different spices or add-ins, such as grated coconut or chopped nuts, to customize the bread to your liking.

Serving advice

Slice the Hainanese Friendship Bread into thick, generous slices and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it on its own or spread with butter or kaya for a delightful snack or breakfast treat.

Presentation advice

Present the Hainanese Friendship Bread on a wooden cutting board or a decorative plate. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish it with a pandan leaf or a sprinkle of desiccated coconut to enhance its visual appeal.