Quick Bran Loaf
A hearty, wholesome bran loaf with sweet raisins and rich molasses flavor, perfect for breakfast or snacks, offering a moist texture and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder together.
- Stir in wheat bran and raisins.
- Beat egg and sugar together; add molasses, sour milk, and melted shortening.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry mixture and stir until just blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased bread pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute honey or agave syrup for molasses if desired. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Additionally, soaking the raisins in warm water or orange juice beforehand can plump them up and add extra moisture to the loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Bran Loaf is delightful served warm with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as a snack. Consider enjoying it alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal. For a treat, try it with a drizzle of Eddie'S Tangy Barbecue Sauce for a unique flavor twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring it retains moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Bran Loaf contains roughly 321 calories, with 2g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1625mg per serving (71% 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 loaf vegan?
Yes, you can make this Quick Bran Loaf vegan by replacing the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Use a plant-based milk alternative in place of sour milk and consider substituting applesauce for the molasses to maintain moisture.
What can I use instead of sour milk?
If you don't have sour milk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor and acidity needed for the recipe.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots. Just be mindful of the total volume of add-ins to ensure the batter maintains the right consistency.
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).