Savory-sweet loaf with sharp cheddar, maple syrup, ginger, and a crunchy pretzel topping.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup buttermilk
09 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
11 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
→ Add-Ins
12 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
13 - 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
→ Pretzel Topping
14 - 1/2 cup mini pretzels, lightly crushed
15 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
17 - 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground ginger, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
03 - In another bowl, beat eggs thoroughly, then whisk in buttermilk, pure maple syrup, melted butter, and freshly grated ginger until the mixture is smooth.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until incorporated; avoid overmixing.
05 - Fold in sharp cheddar cheese and crystallized ginger until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.
07 - In a small bowl, toss crushed mini pretzels with melted butter and maple syrup. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter, then top with coarse sea salt.
08 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and the top is golden brown.
09 - Allow loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
