Why You’ll Love this Sweet & Festive Chop Suey Bread
While most holiday bread recipes tend to blend together after a while, this Chop Suey Bread stands apart as something truly special. I’m honestly smitten with its colorful medley of ingredients—those vibrant red and green glacé cherries create a festive mosaic that’ll brighten any holiday table.
What makes this bread so irresistible? Perhaps it’s the unexpected hint of crystallized ginger that adds warmth, or the way the mashed banana provides moisture without overwhelming the other flavors. Maybe it’s how ridiculously simple it’s to throw together when you’re juggling a million other holiday tasks.
And can we talk about versatility? Perfect for breakfast with coffee, as an afternoon treat, or wrapped as a heartfelt homemade gift.
What Ingredients are in Sweet & Festive Chop Suey Bread?
Chop Suey Bread is a delightful, fruit-filled treat that combines so many colorful ingredients into one delicious loaf. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you’re craving something sweet with interesting texture. The combination of glace cherries, mixed peel, and crystallized ginger creates a jewel-toned interior that looks as festive as it tastes.
The recipe uses 2 cups white flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 cup glace cherries (mixed red and green), 1 cup mixed peel, 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, minced, 1/2 cup raisins, 1 very ripe banana, mashed, 2 tablespoons Ener-G Egg Substitute, and 1 orange, juiced and topped up to 1 cup with water.
What makes this recipe special is its plant-based nature, using banana and egg substitute instead of traditional eggs. You might notice there’s no added fat like butter or oil—the moisture comes from the fruit components. If you can’t find mixed peel or crystallized ginger in your local grocery store, try checking specialty baking shops or international food markets. The colorful mixture of fruits gives this bread its “chop suey” name, referencing how everything is mixed together in a beautiful medley.
How to Make this Sweet & Festive Chop Suey Bread
Making this colorful holiday bread couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth it. Start by combining 2 cups of white flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Then fold in the fruity goodness—1 cup of mixed red and green glacé cherries, 1 cup of mixed peel, 1/2 cup of minced crystallized ginger, and 1/2 cup of raisins. Ensure to coat all the fruit pieces with the flour mixture, which helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking (nothing worse than a lopsided fruit bread, right?).
In a separate bowl, mash 1 ripe banana until smooth, then combine it with 2 tablespoons of Ener-G Egg Substitute. Squeeze the juice from 1 orange and add enough water to make 1 cup of liquid. Mix this liquid with the banana mixture, then pour it all into your dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined—no need to overwork the batter. The mixture should be fairly thick but still pourable. Transfer this colorful batter into a greased and floured loaf pan, spreading it evenly to guarantee uniform baking.
For authentic Asian cooking techniques, consider using a Thai cooking wok set to prepare complementary dishes to serve alongside this sweet bread. Pop your creation into an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 1 1/2 hours. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. The patience isn’t quite over yet—allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack. This resting period helps the bread set up properly and makes removal from the pan much easier. The finished loaf features a beautiful mosaic of colorful fruits that truly earns its festive “chop suey” name.
Sweet & Festive Chop Suey Bread Substitutions and Variations
Though this recipe is delightful as written, you’ll be pleased to know that Chop Suey Bread offers endless possibilities for customization based on your preferences and pantry inventory. Don’t have crystallized ginger? No problem—try candied orange peel or additional mixed peel instead. The glace cherries can be swapped for dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different fruity twist.
For dietary restrictions, regular eggs can replace the egg substitute (about 2 eggs should do), and whole wheat flour can substitute for white flour if you’re craving something heartier. Prefer less sweetness? Reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. And wouldn’t a handful of chopped nuts—walnuts or pecans—add a delightful crunch? The beauty of this bread lies in its adaptability. Make it yours!
What to Serve with Sweet & Festive Chop Suey Bread
Wondering how to elevate your Chop Suey Bread experience? This fruit-packed loaf deserves perfect companions that complement its sweet, spiced charm. I recommend serving it with a smear of softened cream cheese or mascarpone—the tangy creaminess creates a divine contrast against the fruity sweetness.
For breakfast, pair a warm slice with your favorite coffee or tea. The orange notes in the bread dance beautifully with Earl Grey or a bright morning espresso. Really, who can resist?
For dessert, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside a lightly toasted slice, or transform it into an indulgent bread pudding. During holiday gatherings, I place it on a board with aged cheddar and apple slices—a surprising but delightful combination.
Final Thoughts
This Chop Suey Bread has become one of my absolute favorite holiday treats to share with friends and family. There’s something magical about the colorful mix of cherries, peel, ginger, and raisins that creates a festive mosaic in each slice. I love how the banana adds moisture while the orange juice brings a subtle citrus note.
The best part? It’s completely plant-based, making it perfect for accommodating various dietary needs at your gathering. Trust me, even the skeptics won’t miss the eggs or dairy in this deliciously dense, fruit-studded loaf.
You can enjoy it with morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a dessert with a dollop of vegan cream cheese. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility.