Holiday Bread Roll
A moist, flavorful holiday bread with pumpkin, raisins, and nuts, perfect for festive gatherings and breakfast treats, offering warm spices and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 2/3 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 2/3 cup raisins ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts ⓘ
- 2 cups canned pumpkin or cooked sweet potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream shortening and both sugars.
- Add eggs; blend well.
- Add water and sifted dry ingredients; mix well.
- Add pumpkin or sweet potatoes, raisins, and nuts.
- Grease and flour three 1-pound empty coffee cans.
- Place even amounts of mixture in all three cans.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Cool slightly; remove from cans.
- When completely cool, slice in rounds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. This recipe can also be made with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the spice profile. For an extra touch, consider folding in chocolate chips or using different nuts.
Serving Suggestions
These holiday bread rolls are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. They pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They make a great addition to any festive brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Bread Roll contains roughly 573 calories, with 6g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1030mg per serving (45% 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
What can I do if my batter is too dry?
If you find your batter is too dry, you can add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure not to overmix, as this can make the rolls tough. You can also consider adding more pumpkin or sweet potato for added moisture.
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).