Boston Bread
A hearty, fruit-filled bread with raisins and warm spices, perfect for breakfast or snack, offering a sweet, nutty flavor that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over raisins and let stand until cool.
- Cream sugar and butter together.
- Add beaten egg to the creamed mixture.
- Sift together flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, then add to the mixture.
- Add soaked raisins, vanilla, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into greased loaf pans or cans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure the raisins are thoroughly soaked in boiling water to enhance their sweetness and plumpness, which contributes to the bread's moist texture. If you don't have walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of orange zest into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Boston Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of Jalapeno Quiche Spread for a savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Boston Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or oven until just heated through, maintaining its moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Boston Bread contains roughly 652 calories, with 12g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1418mg per serving (62% 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 make Boston Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Boston Bread a day in advance. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld. Just be sure to reheat slices before serving for the best texture.
What can I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter appears too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency. However, be cautious not to add too much liquid, as this can affect the bread's structure.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, the texture may be denser. To optimize the rise, consider adding an extra egg or a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to help maintain the bread's lightness.
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).