This Easy Green Tomato Bread is a fun way to use those tart green tomatoes. The bread is soft, fluffy, and packs a little tangy punch—perfect for breakfast or a snack!
I love how simple this recipe is. You just mix, pour, and bake. Plus, it’s like getting a slice of summer all year round! Who knew green tomatoes could be so yummy? 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: These are the star of the show! Their tangy flavor shines in the bread. If you can’t find green tomatoes, feel free to use ripe ones, but the taste will be sweeter and different.
Granulated Sugar: This bread gets its sweetness from the sugar. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Vegetable Oil: It keeps the bread moist. You can swap it with canola oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer. You can also use applesauce for a healthier twist, which adds moisture too.
Nuts: I love adding walnuts or pecans for crunch. If you’re nut-free, simply leave them out or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How Do I Get Evenly Mixed Batter Without Overmixing?
Mixing the batter right is key to fluffy bread! Here’s how to do it:
- Combine wet ingredients until smooth.
- When adding the dry ingredients, stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour left. Some lumps are okay!
This method ensures you won’t overwork the gluten in the flour, which can make the bread tough instead of light and airy.
Easy Green Tomato Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups green tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you might need around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can slice into your delicious green tomato bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pans:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your two 9×5-inch loaf pans and grease them with butter or spray, then sprinkle a little flour inside to help the bread come out easily.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the mixture until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Vanilla:
Stir in the diced green tomatoes and the vanilla extract. Make sure everything gets mixed together well!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps your bread rise and keeps it light.
5. Mix it All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; you don’t want to overmix!
6. Add Nuts if You Like:
If you’re using nuts, fold them into the batter now. They add a delightful crunch to the bread!
7. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully take the loaves out of the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious green tomato bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Green Tomato Bread
Can I Use Ripe Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
Yes, you can! However, using ripe tomatoes will make the bread sweeter and change the overall flavor. If you enjoy the tartness of green tomatoes, stick with them for the best results!
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover green tomato bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying!
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
If you want to swap out the vegetable oil, you can use canola oil or melted coconut oil. For a healthier option, unsweetened applesauce works well too, which adds moisture without extra fat.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate spices like ginger or allspice, or add in fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor. Just keep an eye on the total moisture content so the bread doesn’t become too wet.
