Butchertown Brown Bread
Butchertown Brown Bread is a hearty, flavorful loaf featuring raisins, walnuts, and a hint of vanilla. Its moist texture and rich taste make it perfect for breakfast or teatime. This nostalgic recipe yields a rustic bread with a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors, ideal for family gatherings or casual brunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water and pour over raisins to soak.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sifted flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Add butter, sugar, eggs (with vanilla mixed in), and vanilla extract to the soaked raisins.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Grease six gold-lined No. 3 tin cans and evenly distribute the batter among them.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from the tins and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or swapping half of the raisins for dried cranberries. If you want a bit of spice, a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the bread. Ensure the water is boiling to properly plump the raisins, and be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb. This recipe is inspired by classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Butchertown Brown Bread is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it further with a spread of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as a snack. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or with a side of Better Than Potato Salad for a wholesome vegetarian experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, ensuring it stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butchertown Brown Bread contains roughly 316 calories, with 5g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You might want to use a mix of both flours for a lighter result. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. If you see wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite dried fruits or nuts, such as chopped apricots or pecans. Just be mindful not to exceed the total volume of add-ins to maintain the right batter consistency.
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).