Raisin Sweet Bread
Raisin sweet bread offers a soft, fluffy texture with sweet raisin pockets, perfect for breakfast or snacks, appealing to bread lovers and those craving a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the milk.
- Add shortening, sugar, and salt to the milk.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- When the mixture is lukewarm, add yeast mixed with warm water and beaten eggs.
- Put all ingredients into a large bowl and beat in 2 cups of flour until smooth.
- Stir in the remaining flour, a cup at a time, to make a soft dough.
- Add raisins to the dough.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different twist. If you prefer a lighter bread, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure the milk is not too hot when added to the shortening to prevent killing the yeast.
Serving Suggestions
This Raisin Sweet Bread is delightful when served warm, slathered with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect addition to brunch. For a unique twist, try serving it alongside a Trilby Parfait for a refreshing contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Raisin Sweet 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. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or oven until just heated through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Sweet Bread contains roughly 907 calories, with 27g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in this recipe. Simply omit the step of activating the yeast in water; instead, mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This will save you time and still produce a delicious loaf.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour at once, as this can make the bread dense.
How can I enhance the sweetness of the bread?
To enhance the sweetness, you can increase the sugar to 3/4 cup or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top after baking. Additionally, serving with a sweet spread like fruit preserves can complement the flavors nicely.
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).