Classic Mandelbrot Recipe: Enjoy A Bite of Jewish Tradition

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of almond extract
  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of chopped almonds
  • 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and vegetable oil.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, mixing until the ingredients are well incorporated.
  7. Fold in the chopped almonds, dried cherries, dried apricots, and white chocolate chips.
  8. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
  9. Shape each portion into a log approximately 12 inches long and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the logs are golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
  12. Using a sharp knife, cut the logs into 1/2 inch slices.
  13. Return the slices to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are light golden brown.
  14. Remove from the oven and allow the Mandelbrot to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix together the ingredients.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet pan used to bake the mandelbrot logs.
  • Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Sharp Knife - A knife with a sharp blade to cut the mandelbrot logs into slices.
  • Wire Rack - A cooling rack to allow the mandelbrot to cool evenly.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist.
  • Add a tablespoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a warmly spiced flavor.
  • Swap out the white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips.
  • Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the dough for extra sweetness.
  • Include a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to add a hint of citrus flavor.
  • Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios for a nuttier variation.
  • Replace the dried cherries and apricots with dried blueberries or chopped dried figs.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make it vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and using dairy-free white chocolate chips.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this delightful Mandelbrot recipe! This traditional Jewish biscuit, similar to the Italian biscotti, offers a lovely balance between sweet and crunchy. Infused with an aromatic blend of vanilla and almond extract, and studded with chopped almonds, dried cherries, apricots, and white chocolate chips, each piece provides a burst of flavor and texture that is simply irresistible. The process involves a double-baking method, which gives the Mandelbrot its characteristic crispiness. Don't be intimidated by this, however. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, and the results are well worth the effort. Enjoy these biscuits with a cup of coffee or tea as a midday snack, or serve them as a dessert or gift for special occasions. Your friends and family will be impressed by your bakery-like creation!

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with a different type of oil? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or melted butter in equal amounts.
  2. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour? Using almond flour will significantly alter the texture of the Mandelbrot. It is best to stick to all-purpose flour for this recipe.
  3. Can I replace the almonds with a different type of nut? Certainly! You can substitute the almonds with walnuts, pecans, or any other nut of your choice.
  4. Can I omit the dried cherries, apricots, or white chocolate chips? Yes, you can omit any of these ingredients if you prefer. You can also replace them with other dried fruits or chocolate varieties.
  5. How should I store the Mandelbrot? Store the Mandelbrot in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used to mix and incorporate the sugar, oil, eggs, and extracts.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Baking Sheet - Used to bake the Mandelbrot logs.
  • Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Sharp Knife - For slicing the baked logs into individual Mandelbrot pieces.
  • Wire Rack - Allows the Mandelbrot to cool evenly after baking.

Origin stories

Mandelbrot, whose name literally means "almond bread," is a beloved baked good of Ashkenazi Jewish culinary tradition. They say that the humble Mandelbrot traversed continents, borne by Jewish immigrants fleeing Eastern Europe, and eventually found its home in American kitchens. This resilient pastry's journey speaks to its lasting appeal; it's a testament to how a simple treat, made from common pantry ingredients, can carry a sense of home and heritage across the world. Baking Mandelbrot is not just a culinary act, it is a nostalgic ritual, a sweet rebellion against forgetting. As the aroma fills your kitchen, know that you're partaking in a centuries-old tradition, one that has provided comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging to countless generations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.