Baking bread from scratch can be one of the most gratifying kitchen experiences, especially when you’re creating something as wholesome and nourishing as manna bread. This ancient recipe, inspired by biblical references to the miraculous food that sustained the Israelites, combines simple ingredients to produce a bread that’s hearty, slightly sweet, and perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this manna bread recipe will fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and offer a delicious treat that’s as versatile as it is nutritious.
This bread is not just about taste; it’s a celebration of tradition and simplicity. With basic pantry staples, you’ll whip up a loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter or your favorite spread.
Ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Let’s explore why manna bread deserves a spot in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This manna bread recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no fancy ingredients or equipment.
With just a few pantry essentials like flour, honey, and yeast, you can create a loaf that’s both rustic and flavorful.
Secondly, manna bread boasts a naturally sweet flavor balanced with a tender crumb and a slightly chewy crust, making it a perfect all-rounder for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it keeps well, so you can enjoy it fresh or toasted over several days.
Finally, this recipe is versatile. You can customize it with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to suit your taste, or keep it simple and traditional.
It’s a wonderful gateway to exploring other wholesome bread recipes like our Veggie Bread Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey, stirring gently to dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is alive and active.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix and knead: Using a wooden spoon or your hands, stir until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding flour as needed to keep it from sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm, draft-free spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape the bread: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Knead in any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruit if using. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Optional: Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow for expansion. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool before slicing: Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This helps the crumb set and prevents it from becoming gummy.
Tips & Variations
For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Feel free to experiment by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist. For a heartier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but be mindful that the dough may require a touch more water.
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum, but expect a different texture and baking time. Also, incorporating seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, or flax adds a delightful crunch.
Looking for more wholesome bread inspirations? Check out our Veggie Bread Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious for creative variations.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per slice (1/12th loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Manna bread is incredibly versatile. For breakfast, enjoy it toasted with a spread of vegan butter or jam.
For a savory twist, top with avocado, sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of sea salt. It also pairs beautifully as a side to hearty soups and stews.
Looking for a delicious soup to accompany your manna bread? Try our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food for a warm, satisfying meal.
For lunch or dinner, use manna bread to make sandwiches filled with fresh veggies or your favorite plant-based proteins. It’s also excellent dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a simple appetizer.
Conclusion
This manna bread recipe is a beautiful blend of simplicity, tradition, and deliciousness that anyone can master at home. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’re rewarded with a loaf that’s comforting and nourishing.
It’s perfect for those who appreciate wholesome baking and want to explore the rich history behind their food.
Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite meals or enjoying it as a snack, manna bread is a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire. Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins and flavors to make it truly your own.
For more inspiration on plant-based meals, be sure to visit our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and discover a world of healthy and tasty recipes.
📖 Recipe Card: Manna Bread Recipe
Description: A simple and wholesome bread inspired by biblical manna, perfect for a nutritious snack or side. This recipe yields a soft, slightly sweet loaf with a tender crumb.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add honey, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir.
- In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Optional: Sprinkle rolled oats on top of the loaf.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 30 g
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