Dark Raisin Bread
Dark Raisin Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf with rich raisin sweetness and hearty bran, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to bread lovers and those craving wholesome treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over raisins and baking soda in a large bowl; let cool.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, bran cereal) in a separate bowl.
- When cool, add beaten egg and oil to the raisins and water mixture.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Equally divide the batter into 3 greased 1-pound loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Cool for 20 minutes, then remove from pans onto a rack until completely cold.
- Wrap in foil and store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of white sugar, which will enhance the sweetness and depth of the bread. If you don’t have bran cereal, you can substitute with wheat germ or oat bran. Be sure to let the raisin mixture cool completely before adding the egg to prevent curdling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve dark raisin bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with Buttered Baked Potato Slices for a comforting meal. Additionally, enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store the dark raisin bread wrapped in foil in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and freshness. It can last up to a week. For reheating, simply slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or oven, which will restore its soft texture and enhance the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dark Raisin Bread contains roughly 1950 calories, with 25g protein, 271g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2094mg per serving (91% 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 dried fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or figs. Just make sure to chop larger fruits into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution in the batter.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or a banana for binding. Use a plant-based oil and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly to make this bread suitable for a vegan diet.
How can I make this bread more flavorful?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra warmth and depth. You could also incorporate chopped nuts or a splash of vanilla extract to 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).