Raisin Orange Bread
Raisin Orange Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining sweet raisins and bright orange zest. Its tender crumb and subtle citrus aroma make it perfect for breakfast, snack, or teatime. Ideal for those who enjoy fruity, slightly sweet baked goods with a hint of citrus freshness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and water; bring to boil.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Mix egg, brown sugar, salad oil and orange peel. Stir in raisin mixture.
- Sift together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda; add to the mixture, beating well.
- Pour into a greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf dish.
- Bake at 325°F for about 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using golden raisins or a mixture of dried fruits. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar and a teaspoon of molasses. To enhance the orange flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the batter. Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a denser bread.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful when served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside dishes like Broccoli-Cheddar Squares or Orange Coffee Punch. For a festive touch, serve slices as part of a holiday breakfast table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Raisin Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, freezing it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Orange Bread contains roughly 616 calories, with 6g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg 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 fresh oranges instead of orange peel?
Yes, you can use fresh orange zest for a bright citrus flavor. Just make sure to use about 1 tablespoon of zest to replace the grated orange peel. Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice for even more flavor.
What can I use instead of salad oil?
If you don’t have salad oil on hand, you can substitute with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. For a richer flavor, melted coconut oil or unsalted butter can also work well. Just note that using butter may slightly change the texture of the bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check if your Raisin Orange Bread is done, insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
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).