California Polka Dot Bread
A moist, fruity bread featuring sweet raisins and orange peel, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to those who enjoy flavorful, homemade baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and water; bring to a boil, then cool to room temperature.
- Mix the slightly beaten egg, brown sugar, cooking oil, and grated orange peel.
- Stir the egg mixture into the raisin mixture.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the raisin mixture, beating well until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer a different dried fruit, chopped dates or dried apricots can work well in place of raisins. Ensure the raisins are plump before use by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes. This California Polka Dot Bread would also be delicious with a hint of cinnamon added to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This California Polka Dot Bread makes a delightful breakfast or snack option, best served warm with butter or cream cheese spread. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more festive touch, consider serving it alongside Hors D'Oeuvre(Kids Even Like These) for a charming brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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 two months. To reheat, simply slice and toast in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Polka Dot Bread contains roughly 986 calories, with 11g protein, 220g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (45% of the Daily Value), potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2976mg per serving (129% 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 a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but the flavor and moisture level may change slightly. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor and helps keep the bread moist, so consider adding a tablespoon of molasses if using granulated sugar for a similar effect.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
Sifting the flour helps aerate it and removes any lumps, which can lead to a lighter texture in the bread. While it’s not absolutely necessary, it is highly recommended for achieving the best results. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but the final product may be denser.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread can be made a day in advance, as the flavors will develop overnight. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to make it even further ahead, consider freezing it and then reheating when needed for a quick 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).