Country Brown Bread
A hearty, sweet and nutty brown bread with rich raisin flavor, perfect for breakfast or teatime, appealing to those who enjoy moist, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over raisins, then add butter, sugar, and egg to the water and raisins.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt to the mixture.
- Blend all ingredients thoroughly until smooth.
- Stir in chopped nuts and mix evenly.
- Grease and flour three No. 2 tin pans.
- Spoon batter into the pans, filling each about halfway.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) until dark brown, approximately 30 minutes.
- Insert a knife into the middle; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. If you don't have raisins, try using chopped dried apricots or cranberries as a substitution. For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the chopped nuts before adding them to the mixture. Ensure that your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese for a richer taste. Consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of soup or a fresh salad, like Aunt Dora's Salad, for a complete meal. It can also be toasted for breakfast or a snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Country Brown Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Brown Bread contains roughly 624 calories, with 7g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), potassium (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% 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 whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for plain flour, but it may result in a denser bread. You might want to use a mix of half whole wheat and half plain flour to lighten the texture while still providing the health benefits of whole grains.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of Country Brown Bread, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or a banana. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for added depth of flavor. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even citrus zest for a fresh twist. Dried fruits like apricots or figs can also enhance the flavor profile.
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).