Name: Maple Walnut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; ½ cup pure maple syrup; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¾ cup chopped walnuts

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting loaf that brings warmth to your kitchen and a smile to your face, this Maple Walnut Bread Recipe is just the thing. Imagine slices of moist, tender bread infused with the rich sweetness of real maple syrup and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts—every bite offering a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Whether you’re gearing up for a leisurely brunch, need a delicious breakfast companion, or want a snack that feels like a gentle hug, this homemade quick bread will soon become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. There is a bunch of yellow bananas with small brown spots on the left side. In front of the bananas, there is a small clear glass bowl with white granulated sugar. Next to it, there is a medium clear glass bowl filled with a white powder, likely flour, positioned at the back right. To the right front, a clear measuring cup holds a dark red liquid, and next to it, two small clear bowls contain a reddish spice and pink salt. A small pile of brown spice sits in a clear bowl in the center front. Behind the spices, there is a medium-sized bowl filled with chopped walnuts. Behind the bowl of walnuts, a clear glass cup contains a dark brown liquid, possibly coffee or vanilla extract. The whole setup is neatly arranged, showcasing ingredients typically used for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Maple Walnut Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create a loaf with tender crumb, subtle maple sweetness, and a delightful texture from the walnuts. Each element plays an essential role, making this bread both delicious and accessible for bakers of any level.

2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture for a soft crumb.
½ cup pure maple syrup: Adds authentic, natural sweetness with a warm maple flavor.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the syrup’s depth and helps with browning.
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread tender and moist.
½ cup milk: Contributes necessary moisture and helps activate the leavening agents.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors with a hint of aromatic sweetness.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The bread’s foundation for a soft but sturdy texture.
1 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent helping the bread rise.
½ tsp baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients for extra lift.
½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that complements maple wonderfully.
¾ cup chopped walnuts: Provides crunch and a toasty, nutty note that’s simply unbeatable.

How to Make Maple Walnut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready. Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removing the loaf a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pure maple syrup, granulated sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This creates the sweet, flavorful base of your bread that will keep it moist and tender.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This dry mix adds the structure, leavening, and subtle spice that make the bread irresistibly comforting.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to keep the batter tender without developing too much gluten.

Step 5: Fold in the Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, evenly distributing them throughout the batter. For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the walnuts lightly beforehand—this will deepen their nutty aroma and add a crunch that elevates every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, keeping an eye toward the end; you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—this resting time helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Maple Walnut Bread Recipe

A loaf cake with a golden brown crust topped with a layer of chopped walnuts sits on a white marbled surface, with two slices cut from the front revealing a moist, light brown interior filled with walnut pieces. More whole walnut halves and pieces are scattered around the cake, along with a rough beige cloth in the background. A knife with a black handle is partly visible at the bottom right corner. The overall scene has warm lighting, highlighting the texture and color of the cake and nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serve your Maple Walnut Bread simply with a pat of butter melting on a warm slice, or take it a step further by spreading some cream cheese, honey, or jam for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup on top brings gorgeous presentation and an inviting sweetness.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a soothing morning or afternoon ritual. For brunch gatherings, offer it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs to balance savory and sweet. It also complements a bowl of warm soup for a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow your guests? Toast slices lightly and top them with ricotta cheese and sliced figs or a smear of nut butter and banana slices. You can even turn the bread into a decadent French toast, where the maple and walnuts add layers of flavor that make breakfast unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Maple Walnut Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread even longer, freezing is an excellent option. Slice the bread before freezing so you can grab individual portions as needed. Wrap slices or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag; it will stay good for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy your Maple Walnut Bread warm, thaw frozen slices at room temperature or toast them directly from frozen. Warming in a toaster or microwave brings back that soft, tender texture and enhances the maple aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans make a fantastic alternative with their buttery crunch, or you could try hazelnuts for a slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure to chop them roughly the same size and toast them lightly for the best texture and taste.

Is it necessary to use pure maple syrup?

Yes, using pure maple syrup is key to capturing the authentic flavor in this Maple Walnut Bread Recipe. Pancake syrups don’t have the same depth or natural sweetness and could affect the texture and flavor of the loaf.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, so adding a tablespoon more milk can help keep the bread moist.

How can I make the bread less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet bread, try reducing the granulated sugar to ¼ cup or cutting back the maple syrup slightly. Keep in mind the natural sweetness of the syrup keeps the bread moist, so don’t reduce it too drastically.

What’s the best way to toast the walnuts?

Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn—this step enhances their flavor without needing extra oil or salt.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Maple Walnut Bread Recipe a try because it’s one of those timeless loaves that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds dance. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough for weekend gatherings. Once you’ve experienced the tender crumb and toasty walnut crunch paired with the rich maple sweetness, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.