Simple Raisin Bread
A moist, flavorful raisin bread with a hint of sweetness, perfect for breakfast or snacks, appealing to bread lovers and those who enjoy fruity baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Stir in dark raisins and golden raisins.
- In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, brown sugar, and melted butter at medium speed until well blended.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- At low speed, beat the flour mixture into the buttermilk mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, until well combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes.
- Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes.
- Run a metal spatula around the sides of the pan to loosen the bread.
- Turn the bread out onto the rack and cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you prefer a different dried fruit, chopped dried apricots or cranberries can be great substitutes for the raisins. To enhance moisture, you might add an extra tablespoon of melted butter. Ensure your buttermilk is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This simple raisin bread is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese for spreading. Serve it alongside a warm bowl of Ruth'S Rice Pudding for a comforting dessert or enjoy it as part of a brunch spread. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or yogurt to elevate the meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Raisin Bread contains roughly 347 calories, with 4g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of potassium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1099mg per serving (48% 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 regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes. This will give you a similar acidity that helps with leavening and flavor in the bread.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on the color; it should be a golden-brown on top. If the top gets too dark, you can cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and flavor to the bread. You can mix in about half a cup of nuts along with the raisins in step 4. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if necessary, as the added ingredients may alter it slightly.
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).