An ideal food for breakfast, lunch or dinner, bread was central to the formation of early human societies, and has long been present within a balanced and healthy diet. Whether you toast it, make a sandwich or get creative with a bread-based dessert, there are countless health benefits to adding this staple food into your diet. Different bread products contain varying amounts of fibre, but you can generally find at least 1 gram per serving. And this is an essential nutrient to eat every day. When your body functions to break down foods containing fibre, you feel fuller for longer – and this could stop you from eating too much throughout the day. As a trusted bread supplier, at Freshways we stock the nation’s favourite brands including Kingsmill, Hovis and Roberts.
Ever considered making a french toast-style dessert with leftover bread? What about creating a tasty sweet treat containing nutella instead of spreading it over your slice of toast? Read on to discover five delicious dessert recipes which contain bread.
Recipe One (Bread Pudding)
The origins of bread pudding are far from glamorous, with historians tracing it back to 13th Century England. Kitchens at this time often had a deep bowl which they called a pudding basin. This bowl was used to collect scraps of stale bread, which would be soaked in water, squeezed dry and then mixed with a variety of sugars and spices for flavour.
Popular in many countries around the world. Bread pudding is a classic dessert which has been adapted within the cuisines of many cultures. Within the traditional 18th-century English recipe, the obvious main ingredient is the bread itself, with a white loaf most frequently used. Bread puddings may use dried fruit, nuts, sugar, syrup and honey to create the sweet taste, with spices such as vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon added for additional flavour. Traditionally the bread is soaked in the liquids, mixed with the spices, and then baked. Of the regional variations available, here are some of the most interesting:
- A version served with marmalade, most common in Cuba.
- Dessert lovers within the US state of Louisiana are known to top the dessert with whiskey sauce, rum sauce, or caramel sauce.
- There are many variations of bread pudding on the island of Puerto Rico. Of the most popular, one version involves topping the pudding with both cream cheese and lime zest.
- In Malaysia, custard sauce is served with bread pudding frequently.
Recipe Two (Nutella Bread)
Though you may be used to spreading your nutella onto a slice of toasted bread, this tasty dessert flips the two ingredients for a mouth watering alternative. With the nutella spread braided into the loaf, this recipe can be made with just a few ingredients, making it cost-effective as well as scrumptious. The recipe is also fairly simple, so amateur bakers should have no trouble creating this scrummy treat. The recipe starts with a pretty standard bread dough, and once this has been prepared, you should be ready to add a good helping of chocolate spread, which is then rolled up inside.
Recipe Three (French Toast Crunch)
Traditionally, french toast is a dish made of sliced bread, which is then soaked in beaten eggs and milk, then pan fried to create the tasty crunchy exterior. Though it is just as often served as a savoury dish accompanied by salt, pepper and an assortment of dipping sauces, we’re focusing on the sweet alternative. When served as a sweet treat, french toast is accompanied by one of milk, sugar, vanilla or assorted spices.
Similarly to bread pudding, there are a number of international variations which are worth your time:
- In Hong-Kong, french toast is often prepared by combining bread with peanut butter or a jam filling, then dipping it in beaten egg and deep frying it. It is then served with butter and topped with golden syrup or honey to add to the combination of flavours.
- In Norway, french toast is known as “arme riddere” and it is often eaten for brunch or breakfast. Cardamom is the spice of choice to serve it with.
- A common topping for the french toast variety served in New Orleans is cane syrup, and this version also regularly features spirits within the recipe.
Recipe Four (Cinnamon Bread)
Similarly to nutella bread, a home baked cinnamon loaf is perfect for breakfast or as a midday snack. This bread can be made in such a way that it ends up with an aesthetically pleasing marbled effect – perfect if you’re looking to show off your latest creations at a get-together or family party. Although this is most often a Christmas favourite, cinnamon bread can suit almost any occasion. Once prepared, the cinnamon bread is perfect with all sorts of nuts and spices – you may even want to mix up the recipe ingredients before putting this bread in the oven to find that perfect combination.
Recipe Five (Caramel Nut Pull-Apart Bread)
Ideal for sharing, or keeping all to yourself if you’re feeling indulgent, caramel nut bread is as moreish as it gets. Covered in a delicious sweet sauce, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, and you can choose to either make one large loaf, or individual roll clusters. Not the healthiest option on the list, this tempting treat contains a hefty amount of butter, cream and sugar, but everyone deserves a treat now and again. Topped with a drizzly cinnamon-infused sauce and finished off with a selection of nuts, this recipe is sure to be a hit with dessert lovers everywhere.
Our Selection
Any recipes catch your eye? With a huge range of wholesale bread products available at Freshways available to buy in bulk, don’t hesitate to browse our online catalogue to discover the latest ranges from the nation’s most trusted brands. Here are our top loaves to look out for in 2022:
Hovis Good Inside
Hovis believe that the secret to a happy, healthy life is to get some good stuff inside, and that’s why they’ve added plenty of extra goodness to the ‘Good Inside’ range.
Kingsmill Soft White
Celebrate the simple pleasures of soft white bread, with Kingsmill’s specially selected flour making a delicious and squeezably soft loaf for the whole family to enjoy.
Roberts Wholemeal
Each of the fresh wholemeal loaves from Roberts is lovingly made from the finest ingredients and over 125 years of baking brilliance.
Something Different?
As one of the nation’s most trusted wholesale bread suppliers, the range of baked goods we stock at Freshways is constantly growing, and we always ensure that we’re selling the nation’s most trusted brands. From dairy products, to juices and eggs. For those days when you need your bread fix but fancy a change, here are a couple of alternatives to sink your teeth into.
Hovis White, Wholemeal And Best Of Both Rolls
A variety of delicious rolls from Hovis to suit your mood. Fill them with tasty things and put them in your lunchbox or picnic basket.
Kingsmill Bakery Selection
Crumpets, muffins, pancakes and hot cross buns. A great selection of the nation’s favourite bakery products that can be toasted for a perfect snack.
Food And Drink At Freshways
Since our beginnings in 1990 as a small wholesaler, we’ve grown into one of the largest independent and family-run dairy suppliers in the UK. We’ve always aimed to provide the freshest and highest quality dairy and wholesale bread products at competitive prices. There are no third parties involved with our process, allowing us to offer fast, efficient, and reliable supplies of dairy. We understand that, for many businesses across the UK, fresh high-quality dairy products are essential. As we only use cows farmed in the UK, we guarantee quality dairy products every time.
At Freshways, we are dedicated to providing each and every one of our clients throughout London, Wales and the UK, with the freshest products available. From wholesalers and manufacturers right through to small businesses such as bakeries, cafes, hotels and retailers. We pride ourselves on being an independent and family-run dairy and bread supplier that offers only the highest quality products.
Any questions about our range of baked goods? Simply get in touch with a helpful member of the Freshways team today.