Raisin Carrot Apple Bread
A moist, flavorful bread combining sweet raisins, grated carrots, and tart apples, perfect for breakfast or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy fruity, spiced baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, sugar, and lemon peel together until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Add raisins, grated carrot, and chopped apples.
- Sift flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the mixture.
- Stir until blended.
- Turn into a greased and floured loaf pan (7 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches).
- Bake in a slow oven at 325°F for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. This will add moisture and a hint of apple flavor. If you're out of raisins, chopped dates or cranberries work well. Remember to chop the apples before adding them to ensure even distribution throughout the batter. Using a mixture of whole wheat and all-purpose flour can boost the nutrition while still keeping the texture light.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a special touch, consider serving it alongside Pink Snow Salad for a colorful and festive meal. Slice it thick for a satisfying treat, or enjoy it as a base for French toast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Raisin Carrot Apple Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Carrot Apple Bread contains roughly 360 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 974mg per serving (42% 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 all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser texture. A good approach is to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to retain lightness while adding nutritional value.
How can I make this bread less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the bread, consider cutting the sugar by a third or substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this may alter the moisture content, so adjust the liquid ingredients slightly if needed.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape while baking and add a nice tartness to balance the sweetness of the raisins and sugar. Avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy in the bread.
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).