Irish Nut Bread
Irish Nut Bread is a hearty, nut-filled loaf with raisins and caraway seeds, perfect for breakfast or tea time, offering warm flavors and a moist texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar.
- Add the milk, beaten eggs, seedless raisins, caraway seed, and chopped walnuts to the dry ingredients.
- Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a 9 x 5 x 3-inch bread pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. If you don't have caraway seeds, try using fennel seeds or anise for a different twist. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread soft and tender.
Serving Suggestions
This Irish Nut Bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a delightful contrast, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or as part of a cheese platter. Consider enjoying it with a Rich Cranberry Shake for a refreshing twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Nut Bread contains roughly 930 calories, with 19g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% 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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts based on your preference. Just ensure that they are chopped to similar sizes to maintain the texture of the bread.
Is there a way to make this bread healthier?
Definitely! You can reduce the sugar by half or use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Additionally, consider adding oats or substituting some of the flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Can I add other dried fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates can all add wonderful flavors to the bread. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar if your dried fruits are particularly sweet.
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).