Quick English Currant Bread
A hearty and flavorful fruit bread combining raisins, currants, and candied mixed fruit, infused with warm spices. Its moist texture and sweet, spiced aroma make it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or gifting during holidays, appealing to those who enjoy traditional, fruit-laden baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and margarine together.
- Add the eggs to the creamed mixture and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Stir in the raisins, currants, and candied mixed fruit.
- Alternately add the buttermilk and the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined, making the batter moist like fruit cake.
- Pour the batter into two greased loaf pans lined with waxed paper.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 300°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on a rack.
- Wrap the bread in foil and store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for a quick substitute. You can also add chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture. Ensure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a denser bread. Using fresh spices will enhance the aroma and taste.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with butter or cream cheese for a richer experience. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Raspberry Jello or Orange Delite Salad during gatherings. This versatile bread can also be enjoyed as a breakfast option or a sweet snack throughout the day.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Quick English Currant Bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to store it longer, consider slicing it and freezing individual pieces. To reheat, simply unwrap and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick English Currant Bread contains roughly 724 calories, with 12g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2254mg per serving (98% 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 substitute the margarine with butter?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute margarine with butter in this recipe. Using unsalted butter will give the bread a rich flavor and a tender texture. Just make sure to soften the butter before creaming it with the sugar for the best results.
What can I use if I don’t have currants?
If currants are not available, you can replace them with additional raisins or dried cranberries. Alternatively, chopped dried apricots or dates can add a unique flavor while maintaining the sweetness. Just ensure that the total amount of dried fruit remains the same for the best texture.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. Keep in mind that it may continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so avoid overbaking.
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).