The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Introduction:
Craving a delightfully crispy, sweet, and uniquely satisfying treat? Look no further than the beloved Trenary Toast recipe! This Finnish-inspired twice-baked bread has been a cherished tradition in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for generations. With its perfect balance of crunchy texture and cinnamon-sugar goodness, Trenary Toast isn’t just breakfast – it’s a nostalgic journey in every bite. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering this Upper Peninsula treasure for the first time, our homemade recipe will bring the charm of a UP bakery right to your kitchen!
1. How to Make this Recipe:

Making trenary toast recipe is like crafting a piece of history in your own kitchen. We start with a simple, slightly sweet bread dough, let it rise to perfection, then slice and twice-bake it with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. The result? Perfectly crisp, slightly sweet slices that are ideal for dunking in your morning coffee or enjoying as a satisfying snack any time of day. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll always want a batch ready in your cookie jar!
“If you’re planning your day’s menu, pair your breakfast burrito with Mackinac Island Fudge for a sweet dessert treat.”
2. Ingredients for this Recipe:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3. Step-by-Step Guide for Making this Recipe:

- Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and ¼ cup sugar
- Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy
- Add softened butter, eggs, and salt to the bowl
- Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth
- Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size
- Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down dough and shape into a loaf
- Place in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes
- Initial Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown
- Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack
- Prepare for Second Bake
- Once completely cooled, slice bread into ½ inch thick slices
- Mix cinnamon and ½ cup sugar in a small bowl
- Sprinkle each slice generously with cinnamon sugar mixture
- Final Bake
- Reduce oven temperature to 200°F (95°C)
- Place slices on a baking sheet
- Bake for 1-2 hours until completely dry and crisp
4. Tips and Variations:

- For extra crunch, leave the slices in the turned-off oven overnight
- Try different toppings like cardamom or nutmeg for unique flavors
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness
- Perfect for dunking in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
- Can be made with whole wheat flour for a healthier version
5. Nutritional Information:
Per slice (approximate):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
6. Recipe Notes:
- The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky
- Cooling completely before slicing is crucial for clean cuts
- The second bake time may vary depending on your oven and desired crispness
- Traditionally, Trenary Toast is quite hard – adjust baking time for preferred texture
Trenary Toast Recipe: A Crispy Upper Peninsula Tradition
Course: Uncategorized4
servings20
minutes30
minutes120
kcalIngredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and ¼ cup sugar
Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy
Add softened butter, eggs, and salt to the bowl
Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic - First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth
Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size - Shape and Second Rise Punch down dough and shape into a loaf
Place in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan
Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes
Initial Bake Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown
Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack - Initial Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown
Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack - Prepare for Second Bake
Once completely cooled, slice bread into ½ inch thick slices
Mix cinnamon and ½ cup sugar in a small bowl
Sprinkle each slice generously with cinnamon sugar mixture - Final Bake
Reduce oven temperature to 200°F (95°C)
Place slices on a baking sheet
Bake for 1-2 hours until completely dry and crisp
Notes
- The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky
- Cooling completely before slicing is crucial for clean cuts
- The second bake time may vary depending on your oven and desired crispness
- Traditionally, Trenary Toast is quite hard – adjust baking time for preferred textur
FAQs(Frequently Asked Question)
Q: How long does Trenary Toast stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container, it can last for several weeks due to its dry nature.
Q: Can I freeze Trenary Toast?
A: Yes, you can freeze the initial baked loaf before slicing and twice-baking. Thaw completely before proceeding.
Q: Why is it called Trenary Toast?
A: It’s named after the village of Trenary in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where it has been commercially produced since 1928.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
A: Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand, though it may take a bit longer.
Conclusion:
Trenary Toast isn’t just a recipe – it’s a slice of Upper Peninsula heritage that you can recreate in your own kitchen. With its satisfying crunch, subtle sweetness, and versatility, this twice-baked treat is perfect for breakfast, coffee break, or anytime you need a taste of nostalgic comfort. Whether you’re an UP native missing home or simply someone who appreciates unique, traditional recipes, this Trenary Toast will surely become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So, fire up that oven and get ready to experience a true Michigan delicacy!
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