Rich Raisin Bread
Rich Raisin Bread offers a hearty, slightly sweet flavor with tender, chewy texture, and plump raisins throughout. Perfect for breakfast or snacking, this bread appeals to those who enjoy homemade baked goods with a touch of sweetness and a satisfying, homemade aroma. Ideal for family gatherings or gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixer bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt; mix well.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, water, and margarine until warm (120° to 130°).
- Add the warm mixture to the flour mixture, then add eggs.
- Blend on low until moistened.
- Beat for 3 minutes at medium speed.
- By hand, stir in raisins and enough of the remaining flour to make a firm dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2 parts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the margarine with butter. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure the milk mixture is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. Also, for added texture, consider incorporating chopped nuts or spices like cinnamon. This bread pairs beautifully with Lou'S Gooey Butter Coffeecake for a delightful brunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious raisin bread warm with butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast treat. It also makes an excellent base for French toast or bread pudding. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. For an indulgent dessert, consider serving it alongside Summer Mincemeat for a unique flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps maintain its soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Raisin Bread contains roughly 267 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 832mg per serving (36% 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in place of instant yeast. Just be sure to activate it first by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the flour mixture. This ensures proper fermentation and a good rise.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to the yeast being expired or the liquid being too hot or too cold. Make sure the warm mixture is between 120°F and 130°F. If this happens, try again with new yeast and ensure the environment is warm enough for rising, ideally around 75°F to 85°F.
Can I add other dried fruits to this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or currants for added flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust the amount of liquid slightly if using fruits that are particularly moist, to maintain the right dough 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).