Glazed Raisin Loaf
A moist, sweet raisin loaf with a glossy glaze, perfect for breakfast or tea time, appealing to bread lovers and those craving a fruity, tender baked treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften active dry yeast in warm water.
- Combine seedless raisins, softened yeast mixture, softened butter or margarine, sugar, and salt.
- Add hot buttermilk or milk; stir to dissolve sugar.
- Cool to lukewarm.
- Add 1 cup of the sifted flour; mix well.
- Add yeast mixture and beaten eggs; beat well.
- Stir in remaining flour, mixing well.
- Turn out on lightly floured surface.
- Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
- Knead until smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes).
- Place in lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface.
- Cover; let double in size (1 1/2 to 2 hours) in warm place.
- Punch down; cover and let rest 10 minutes.
- Shape into a loaf.
- Place in greased 9 1/2 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Cover; let almost double in size (45 to 60 minutes).
- Bake in a moderate oven (375°F) about 25 minutes.
- Place foil over the top last 10 minutes if necessary.
- Remove from pan; cool.
- Glaze with confectioners' sugar icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar can work as a substitute. To enhance the loaf, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure that your yeast is fresh by checking its expiration date for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
This glazed raisin loaf is delightful on its own or served with a pat of butter. It pairs beautifully with ice cream, making it a perfect complement to desserts like Ice Cream And Cookies Dessert. Consider serving it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store the glazed raisin loaf 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 three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Raisin Loaf contains roughly 445 calories, with 11g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 747mg per serving (32% 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 different types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness slightly, as some fruits are sweeter than others. Dried cherries or even a mix could add a unique twist to your loaf.
What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature of your environment; it should be warm but not too hot. You can also ensure your yeast is active by testing it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the dough. If all else fails, let it rise longer or find a warmer spot for it to proof.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this glazed raisin loaf healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Adding nuts or seeds can increase the nutritional value and add a nice crunch.
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).