Fruit Bread
A moist and flavorful fruit bread packed with sweet raisins and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or teatime. Its rich butter and buttermilk base create a tender texture, making it a delightful treat for family gatherings or as an accompaniment with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend together the butter and sugar and beat until well combined.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Add the beaten egg and gradually pour in the buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in the raisins evenly into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute the raisins with chopped dried fruit or nuts for variation. Ensure your butter is softened for easier blending, and if you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a quick substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruit bread warm or at room temperature, ideally with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Gin'S Pound Cake for a delightful dessert spread. Consider serving it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy its softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Bread contains roughly 332 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 771mg per serving (34% 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 all-purpose flour instead of regular flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe and will yield a similar texture. Just make sure to measure it correctly by spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off for the best results.
What can I do if I don't have buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes before using it in the recipe.
How can I enhance the flavor of the fruit bread?
To enhance the flavor, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. You can also incorporate orange or lemon zest for a fresh citrus note, which complements the sweetness of the raisins beautifully.
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).