In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, finding innovative ways to reduce food waste is more important than ever. One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to do this in your kitchen is by repurposing stale bread into something delicious—bread cake. This article will explore the origins of bread cake, provide you with various recipes, offer tips on perfecting your bread cake, and discuss its environmental impact. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, by the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to turn your leftover bread into a mouthwatering dessert or savory dish that your friends and family will love.
The Origins of Bread Cake:
Bread cake, often referred to as bread pudding in many cultures, is a dish steeped in history. Originating from the necessity to make use of every scrap of food, bread cake was a common dish among frugal households. In medieval times, when food was scarce and every bit of sustenance was precious, wasting bread was unthinkable. Instead, stale bread was soaked in milk or water, mixed with whatever sweeteners, spices, or fruits were available, and baked into a pudding-like dessert.
This tradition of turning stale bread into a culinary delight has persisted through the centuries, adapting to different tastes and ingredients available in various regions. In England, for example, bread and butter pudding became a staple, while in the southern United States, a similar dish called bread pudding emerged, often featuring whiskey or rum sauce. The French version, known as “pain perdu,” literally means “lost bread,” highlighting the dish’s purpose of rescuing otherwise wasted bread.
The idea behind these dishes remains the same today: take something that would otherwise be thrown away and transform it into something delicious. Modern bread cakes can be sweet or savory, simple or elaborate, but they all share this common, sustainable origin.
The Environmental Impact of Food Waste
Before diving into recipes, it’s essential to understand why repurposing food, like turning stale bread into cake, is so important. Food waste is a global issue with significant environmental impacts. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted, amounting to about 1.3 billion tons per year. Bread is one of the most commonly wasted foods, with millions of loaves thrown away daily.
This waste is not just about the loss of food itself. It also represents a waste of the resources that went into producing that food—water, energy, labor, and transportation. For example, producing a single loaf of bread requires significant amounts of water and energy. When that bread is thrown away, all those resources are wasted as well.
By finding creative ways to use leftover bread, such as making bread cake, you contribute to reducing this waste. Not only are you saving money, but you are also making a small but meaningful impact on the environment.
Bread Cake Recipe Variations
Bread cake is incredibly versatile. Below are several recipes that showcase the many ways you can turn stale bread into something delicious.
1. Classic Sweet Bread Cake
Ingredients:
- 4 cups stale bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruits
- Zest of one lemon or orange (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, soak the bread cubes in milk until softened (about 10 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, lemon or orange zest, and salt.
- Add the soaked bread to the egg mixture and stir until well combined. Gently fold in the raisins or dried fruits.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
2. Decadent Chocolate Bread Cake
Ingredients:
- 3 cups stale bread, torn into small pieces
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 2 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a round or square cake tin.
- In a blender, combine the bread pieces, almond milk, vanilla extract, flax egg, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once cooled, top with melted dark chocolate and fresh berries, or dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
3. Savory Cheesy Bread Cake
Ingredients:
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or ham, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Soak the bread cubes in milk until softened (about 10 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the soaked bread into the egg mixture, then fold in the cheese and bacon or ham if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve warm, perhaps with a simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup.
4. Vegan Banana Bread Cake
Ingredients:
- 4 cups stale bread, cut into cubes
- 1 ½ cups almond milk
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 2 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- Soak the bread cubes in almond milk until softened.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup, flax egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Stir the soaked bread into the banana mixture until well combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cake cool before slicing. Enjoy with a smear of vegan butter or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Tips for Perfecting Your Bread Cake
Making bread cake is an art that can be mastered with a few simple tips:
- Bread Selection:
- Use bread that is a few days old but not completely dried out. Breads with a denser crumb, like sourdough or whole grain, work best as they absorb the liquid without turning to mush.
- Soaking Time:
- Allow your bread to soak in the milk or liquid mixture for at least 10 minutes. This ensures that the bread absorbs enough moisture, resulting in a cake that is moist rather than dry.
- Spice It Up:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices. For sweet bread cakes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom add warmth and complexity. For savory versions, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Customizable Add-Ins:
- Mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or even fresh berries can elevate your bread cake. For savory versions, consider adding cheese, cooked meats, or roasted vegetables.
- Baking Consistency:
- Ensure your cake bakes evenly by not overfilling your pan. The batter should not be more than an inch or so thick. If you’re making a larger batch, consider dividing it between two pans or baking in a sheet pan for even cooking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Bread cake can be a versatile dish, suitable for breakfast, dessert, or even as a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:
- For Breakfast:
- Serve a slice of sweet bread cake with a dollop of yogurt and fresh fruit for a hearty start to your day. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
- As a Dessert:
- Warm bread cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa for an elegant finish.
- Savory Side Dish:
- Savory bread
FAQ
1. What is a Bread Cake?
A bread cake is a baked dessert or savory dish that uses stale or leftover bread as its primary ingredient. Bakers repurpose bread that might otherwise be discarded, making bread cakes a sustainable option that reduces food waste. Typically, they soak the bread in a liquid—such as milk, cream, or a plant-based alternative—before combining it with eggs, sugar, and other flavorings to create a moist, cake-like texture. Depending on the recipe, bread cakes can be sweet, incorporating ingredients like chocolate, fruits, or spices, or savory, featuring elements like cheese, herbs, and meats. Bread cakes are versatile dishes found in various cultures, with recipes varying widely based on local ingredients and culinary traditions.
2. What is the Meaning of Cakebread?
The term “cakebread” is not common in the culinary world, but it can be interpreted in a few ways. Historically, people used “cake” and “bread” interchangeably in certain contexts, especially in older English texts where the word “cake” referred to a round, flat loaf of bread. However, in modern usage, “cakebread” might represent a hybrid between cake and bread, although this interpretation is not widely recognized. In the context of this discussion, “cakebread” could describe a type of bread with a cake-like texture, often sweetened and enriched with ingredients like butter, eggs, and sugar, making it more like a dessert than traditional bread.
3. Is Banana Bread Cake or Bread?
Banana bread exists somewhere between bread and cake. Technically, it falls under the category of “quick bread” because it doesn’t require yeast for leavening; instead, it uses baking soda or baking powder. The ingredients and texture of banana bread—often made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and ripe bananas—closely resemble those of a cake, leading many to describe it as a type of cake. However, because people bake it in a loaf pan and it has a denser, more bread-like structure, it is typically classified as bread. The categorization of banana bread can vary based on regional culinary traditions and personal interpretations, but people generally see it as a sweet bread that can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or dessert.
4. Why is it Called a Barm Cake?
A barm cake is a type of soft, round bread roll that originates from Northern England. The term “barm” refers to the foam or scum that forms on the top of fermenting liquid, such as beer or ale, which people traditionally used as a leavening agent in breadmaking. Bakers would mix the barm into the dough, causing it to rise and giving the bread its characteristic light and airy texture. The term “cake” in this context refers to a round, flat loaf of bread, following older English usage. Thus, a barm cake is essentially a soft bread roll made using barm as the leavening agent, though modern recipes often use commercial yeast instead. People in the Northwest of England particularly enjoy barm cakes, often using them as sandwich rolls with fillings like bacon, sausage, or chips (fries).