Orange Nut Glazed Raisin Bread
Orange Nut Glazed Raisin Bread offers a fragrant, citrus-infused flavor with hints of ginger and toasted nuts. Its soft, tender crumb pairs well with coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. The glazed top adds a sweet, glossy finish to this homemade bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk and pour it over the salt, sugar, and butter. Blend and cool to lukewarm.
- Sprinkle yeast on warm water, stir to dissolve.
- Add the yeast mixture to the milk mixture with 2 1/2 cups of flour.
- Beat for 2 minutes with an electric mixer, then beat in eggs, orange peel, ginger, raisins, and 1/2 cup of flour.
- Gradually mix in enough remaining flour, a little at a time, with a spoon.
- Knead the dough with hands until smooth and into a ball. Grease and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 2 loaves.
- Make 3 slashes in the top of each loaf.
- Let the loaves rise until nearly doubled in size.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 40 to 50 minutes, covering with foil after 20 minutes if browning too fast.
- Remove the loaves from the pan and place on a wire rack.
- Spread Orange Glaze over the loaves and allow to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk mixture is lukewarm before adding yeast to prevent killing the yeast. If you don't have active dry yeast, you can substitute it with instant yeast, using the same amount. If you're short on time, consider using pre-made orange glaze for convenience. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance the texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Nut Glazed Raisin Bread is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a satisfying breakfast. For a cozy dessert, enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. It also complements well with dishes like Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes at a brunch gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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, place slices in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the bread's soft texture while keeping the glaze intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Nut Glazed Raisin Bread contains roughly 463 calories, with 11g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 779mg per serving (34% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour. Start by replacing about 1 to 2 cups with whole wheat flour to maintain a good texture. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will absorb more liquid, so you may need to increase the milk slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
How can I add more flavor to the bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg along with the ground ginger. You can also incorporate chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs for additional sweetness and texture. Another option is to use flavored extracts, such as almond or vanilla, to give the bread a unique twist.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and actively bubbling before adding it to the mixture. If your kitchen is too cold, try placing the dough in a warmer area, such as near a preheated oven or in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to create a cozy environment for rising.
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).