Chinese Imperial Almond Bread

Ingredients

Chinese Imperial Almond Bread takes inspiration from the American Graham Bread but incorporates the distinct flavors and techniques of Chinese imperial cuisine. While the original Graham Bread focuses on whole wheat flour and honey, this adaptation infuses the bread with the richness of almonds and fragrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom. The Chinese imperial version also emphasizes a softer and fluffier texture, with a golden-brown crust and a sprinkling of almond slices for added visual appeal. We alse have the original recipe for Graham Bread, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) almond flour 1/2 cup (60g) almond flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds, for topping 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the softened butter and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the loaf, gently pressing them into the dough.
9. 9.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Serve the bread warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it is baked, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese Imperial Almond Bread as a delightful accompaniment to a traditional Chinese tea ceremony or as a sweet treat during special occasions. Slice it and serve it on a decorative platter for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the Chinese Imperial Almond Bread, dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish the platter with edible flowers or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.