This cantaloupe bread recipe uses sweet, ripe cantaloupe, and a hint of spices to produce a soft, warm loaf of bread. If you’re not sure what to make with cantaloupe other than a bowl of fruit, this is the best recipe you could ever find!
Cantaloupe Bread Recipe
My mom planted cantaloupe. The melon I hated as a kid. And it ended up that it was 100 times better home grown! There was now only one problem, it was exploding in her garden, so we had no choice but to find new recipes to use it in. Which got us thinking, if zucchini produces an over abundance and it makes good bread, could cantaloupe work like a banana, applesauce and zucchini and produce the same? PBS in Iowa had a recipe so we set out to try it!
I’m sorry for how many photos were added, but it was just so good. I changed the cinnamon and ginger from other recipes to pumpkin pie spice because it was in the front of my cabinet. I also used oil instead of butter and no milk as it wasn’t needed.
How to Pick Out a Good Cantaloupe
Feel the weight: It should feel heavy for its size, which means it’s juicy.
Check the stem end: Look for a smooth, slightly sunken scar where the stem was attached. Avoid melons with a pointy or jagged stem end.
Look at the color: A ripe cantaloupe has a warm golden or beige background, not green or gray.
Smell it: Give the blossom end a sniff. It should have a sweet, melon aroma. No smell usually means it’s underripe.
Press gently: It should give slightly at the blossom end, but not feel soft or mushy.
Inspect the netting: The netted skin should be raised and well-defined, not smooth or flat.
Avoid blemishes: Skip melons with cracks, soft spots, or large bruises.
Ingredients for Cantaloupe Bread
- Cantaloupe: Adds natural sweetness, flavor, and moisture that keeps the bread tender (similar to zucchini or banana in quick bread).
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, add structure, and help the bread rise.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides richness and keeps the crumb soft and moist.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and balances the subtle flavor of the cantaloupe.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds depth of flavor.
- Flour: The base structure of the bread, holding everything together.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking Soda: Works with the acidic components to help the bread rise.
- Baking Powder: Gives additional lift for a fluffy, tender loaf.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warmth and cozy spice notes that complement the sweet cantaloupe.