Crispy and Sweet Walnut Bread Rusks
Homemade Rusks: Crispy, Delicious, and Nutty Treats Made from Bread Scraps
Don’t you often have a few slices of bread left over? Bakeries often turn unsold bread from the day into rusks, and I particularly love the ones made with walnut bread. The walnuts add a wonderful nuttiness to the soft yet crispy texture. Let me share my favorite recipe with you!
Ingredients- 1 bag of bread (walnut bread)
- Butter, as needed
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 70g sliced almonds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Take bread slices that are a few days old and slightly dry. Cut each slice into 4 equal pieces. Aim for a thickness that won’t crumble too easily when baked.
Step 2
Cut the butter into approximately 1cm thick slices. Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 20-30 seconds until just softened and spreadable, resembling a ‘pomade’ consistency. This will make it easier to spread evenly.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, combine 2/3 cup of brown sugar and 1/3 cup of dark brown sugar. The brown sugar provides a mild sweetness, while the dark brown sugar adds a richer depth of flavor. Add a pinch of cinnamon for aroma, and mix in the 70g of sliced almonds. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to coat the bread. Using a thin knife or the back of a spoon, spread a thin, even layer of the softened butter onto one side of each bread piece. Once the butter is spread, generously coat this side with the prepared sugar-almond mixture. Flip the bread over and repeat the process: spread butter on the other side, then coat it thoroughly with the sugar and almond mixture. Ensure the coating is even and adheres well.
Step 5
Arrange the coated bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are placed in a single layer, not touching each other, to ensure even baking and crisping.
Step 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 160-170°C (320-338°F). After about 5-7 minutes, check the color of the rusks and flip them over. Continue baking the other side until they are golden brown and crispy. This will take approximately another 5-7 minutes, for a total of 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Your delicious, crispy, and aromatic rusks are ready to be enjoyed!
