Le Creuset offers loaf pans in three different materials: the enamelled Cast Iron Signature Loaf Pan, Stoneware Heritage Loaf Dish and non-stick metal bakeware Loaf Tin. And as any home baker can attest to, having a few of these handy pans in the kitchen is a baking essential. The classic long, rectangular shape and deep size of a loaf pan makes it the clear choice for recipes like sandwich bread, pound cake and meatloaf. But those aren’t the only ways to use this versatile baking dish. It’s also great for unexpected dishes from enchiladas to semifreddo. Here are some of our favourite recipes you can make in a loaf pan, both traditional and unexpected.
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Quick Breads
As indicated by their name, quick breads are easy-to-make breads that are quickly stirred together, without the need for electric mixers and are perfect in any of our loaf pans. They are sometimes sweet, like classic banana bread, or frequently include a blend of savoury and sweet ingredients, like the summer favourite, zucchini bread. Either way, they are prepared without yeast or kneading for a fast way to get freshly baked bread on the table. The sky is the limit when customizing a quick bread - fresh and dried fruit, nuts, dried herbs, vegetables, spices, and cheese are all welcome additions.
Bread Pudding
Leftover bread gets an upgrade in decadent bread pudding recipes. The deep shape of a loaf pan means that the rich mixture stays moist and tender as the bread is infused with a sweet custard. And don’t forget that bread pudding is just one step away from French toast, making it just as delicious for brunch or breakfast as it is for dessert. It’s best glazed and served right out of the oven, when it’s lightest and fluffiest, but it can also be prepared in advance and served at room temperature in the same colourful pan.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar French Toast Bread Pudding Shop Now
Braided Yeast Breads
Once you’ve mastered standard sandwich bread, the next step is experimenting with specialty loaves, building on ingredients and technique. You can enrich the dough’s flavor with butter, egg or add-ins as well as add impressive texture by rolling in ingredients and braiding separate pieces of dough. Traditional babka is a great example of rolling up sweet additions followed by a quick braid for a showstopping loaf. And like quick breads, the possibilities for customization in a braided loaf are endless.
Get the Recipe: Braided Rosemary Raisin Bread Shop Now
One-Dish Meal
If you’re preparing a casserole or pasta bake for 1 or 2 people, skip the huge baking dish and reach for a loaf pan. The capacity and size of loaf pans make them ideal for one-dish meals. It is deep enough for layered, bubbling casseroles, like lasagna, pot pie and pasta bakes. Even cheesy enchiladas are perfectly portioned and easy to slice and serve. Plus, a colourful loaf pan can go straight from the oven to the table, keeping the dish hot and ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Chicken Enchilada CasseroleShop Now
Sweet Cakes
Loaf pans are also the go-to choice for sophisticated cakes made with high-quality ingredients and garnished with simple decorations. Rich, buttery pound cakes are the most popular choice for this iconic shape, needing only a simple glaze to sweeten the experience. But any cake made in a loaf pan is easy to turn out of the dish, slice and serve warm. This makes them ideal for everything from a quick everyday dessert to a morning coffee cake.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Pound Cake with Nutmeg GlazeShop Now
