Hallelujah Bread
Hallelujah Bread is a rich, fruit-filled loaf with a hint of wine, perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings, combining warm spices and sweet dried fruits.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter, sugar, and eggs together.
- Sift all dry ingredients (flour and sugar).
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Soak the raisins and figs in the cup of wine.
- Add the soaked fruit and wine to the mixture.
- Line loaf pans with heavy brown paper that has been greased and floured.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake in the oven for about 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white. You can substitute the wine with grape juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer, add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra texture. Make sure to soak the raisins and figs long enough to enhance their flavor and moisture before adding them to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Hallelujah Bread is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it with a spread of cream cheese or butter. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast, or pair it with a slice of Irish Soda Bread for a hearty meal. It also makes a wonderful addition to a holiday brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hallelujah Bread 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 it overnight in the fridge and warm slices in a toaster or oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hallelujah Bread contains roughly 1735 calories, with 19g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1748mg per serving (76% 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 make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, Hallelujah Bread can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it sit helps the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its freshness. You can also freeze it for longer storage and thaw it when needed.
What can I substitute for figs if I don't have any?
If you don't have figs, you can use dried apricots or dates as a substitute. Both will add a similar sweetness and texture to the bread. Just chop them into small pieces before adding them to the batter.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the Hallelujah Bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Keep in mind that baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
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).