Golden Raisin Bread
Golden Raisin Bread offers a sweet, nutty flavor with tender crumb and aromatic spices, perfect for breakfast or snacking, appealing to bread lovers and fruit enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins, shortening, and 1 1/4 cups water in a saucepan.
- Heat to boiling, stirring until shortening melts.
- Cool to lukewarm.
- Soften yeast in the remaining 1/2 cup water.
- Add sugar, salt, spices, and 1 cup flour.
- Mix well.
- Add the raisin mixture.
- Gradually add the remaining flour.
- Knead the dough for 3 minutes.
- Brush the dough with oil. Cover and let rise in a bowl until doubled in size, about 1 3/4 hours.
- Punch down the dough.
- Shape into 2 medium loaves.
- Brush the tops with oil.
- Let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute half of the white flour with almond flour. Additionally, adding a handful of chopped nuts can enhance the texture. Ensure the water is lukewarm when softening the yeast for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Golden Raisin Bread pairs beautifully with Country Chicken Soup ('Crock-Pot Recipe') for a comforting meal. Serve it warm with butter or cream cheese for breakfast or as a snack. It also makes a delightful base for sandwiches or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Golden Raisin Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Raisin Bread contains roughly 3458 calories, with 53g protein, 692g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), protein (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 raisins?
Yes, you can substitute golden raisins with regular raisins or even dried cranberries for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and texture may vary slightly, so adjust the sugar if necessary.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or incorrect temperatures. Ensure the water used to soften the yeast is warm, not hot, and check the expiration date on your yeast packets. A warmer environment can also help; try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make Golden Raisin Bread vegan, replace the shortening with coconut oil or vegan butter. Ensure that the yeast used is also vegan-friendly. This recipe can be easily adapted to fit vegan diets without compromising on taste or texture.
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).