Finishes for Fruit and Nut Quick Breads

You can dress up quick breads by topping them off with an interesting finish. Quick Breads can be topped either before or after baking. A simple sprinkling of sugar before baking gives the bread a sugary crunch to the top of the bread. Or, after baking, dust the bread with confectioner’s sugar to give it visual appeal and a touch of sweetness. There are many more possibilities.

Toppings to add Before Baking

Do not add dried fruits to the top as they will burn while baking

• Sprinkling of granulated sugar
• Sprinkling of cinnamon sugar
  • Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Enough to top one loaf of quick bread.
• Chopped nuts or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds (gently pat down so they adhere to the batter)
• Oatmeal (if an oatmeal bread)
• Streusel topping

Toppings to add After Baking (after the bread has cooled)

• Dust with Confectioner’s sugar
• Drizzle with a glaze made from confectioner’s sugar
  • Vanilla Glaze: Enough for one loaf of quick bread. Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 to 3 teaspoons milk. Drizzle over top of the bread.
• Drizzle with fruit glaze to add flavor and visual appeal. Try orange and lemon juices for their fragrant, tart zing; add curls of zest for extra color and flavor. Wait until the bread is cool to the touch to add glazes, otherwise they will melt and run right off.
  • This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread finishes the bread with a lemon glaze.
  • Orange Glaze: Enough for one loaf of quick bread. Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 3 to 4 teaspoons orange juice. Drizzle over top of the bread. Sprinkle with grated orange peel, if desired
• Chocolate Icing
  • Enough for one loaf of quick bread. Melt 1 oz. white or dark chocolate baking bar, chopped, with 1 to 2 tablespoons half-and-half. Whisk in 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Spoon and spread icing over cooled loaf, allowing some to run down sides.