Brown (Raisin) Bread
A moist, sweet bread filled with raisins and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or tea time, offering rich flavors and a hearty texture suited for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook raisins in 3 cups water in a pan with a tight lid for 10 minutes.
- Cool the raisin mixture.
- Add vegetable shortening, eggs, and vanilla to the cooled mixture.
- Mix together dry ingredients and add the liquid mixture.
- Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Grease and dust six mini loaf pans or cans with flour.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister bread, consider adding an extra tablespoon of vegetable shortening or substituting half of the water with apple juice. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. You can also experiment with different dried fruits for a unique twist. This recipe is a great base for holiday baking; try pairing it with a side of Mom's Apple Butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this brown raisin bread as a delightful breakfast option or as a sweet snack throughout the day. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a special treat, spread a layer of Fresh Berry Syrup on top or serve alongside a scoop of almond butter for extra flavor. This bread is also perfect for holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brown 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, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown (Raisin) Bread contains roughly 1212 calories, with 12g protein, 285g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1295mg per serving (56% 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 other types of sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or coconut sugar, but the flavor will differ slightly. Brown sugar adds a rich molasses flavor that complements the raisins. If using white sugar, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the vegetable shortening with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and omit any eggs if included in your variation. The bread will still be delicious and moist thanks to the raisins.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a different flavor and crunch. If nut allergies are a concern, simply omit the nuts altogether and enjoy the bread as a raisin-only treat.
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).