Betty'S Raisin Bread
A moist, flavorful raisin bread with a sweet vanilla or lemon aroma, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to those who enjoy rich, fruity baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare two loaf pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together.
- Add Crisco or margarine, milk, and vanilla or lemon extract; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Flour the raisins and fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into the two loaf pans.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, separate the egg whites and beat them until stiff peaks form, then fold them in at the end. If you don't have Crisco or margarine, you can use unsalted butter as a substitute. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture. Make sure to flour the raisins well to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Betty's Raisin Bread is delightful on its own or spread with butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or yogurt for a more balanced meal. For a delicious dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover raisin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or microwave until just heated through, preserving its moisture and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty'S Raisin Bread contains roughly 1629 calories, with 19g protein, 351g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (63% of the Daily Value), calcium (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 929mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of dried fruit instead of raisins?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dates. Just be sure to flour them as you would the raisins to keep them from sinking in the batter.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can make a healthier version by reducing the sugar by half and replacing some of the white flour with whole wheat flour. Additionally, using applesauce instead of Crisco or margarine can lower the fat content.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).