Sugarless Sweet Bread
A moist, naturally sweet bread packed with dried fruits and warm spices, perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast option for those avoiding added sugars.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil raisins, dates, and prunes in 1 cup water for 5 minutes; then cool.
- Add cooled fruit, margarine, eggs, baking soda, vanilla, salt, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For added sweetness, consider using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce as a partial substitute for margarine. To enhance flavor, add chopped nuts or seeds. If you don't have margarine, coconut oil or softened butter can work well. Ensure the fruit is well-drained to prevent excess moisture. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs, fitting nicely into vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet bread is delicious on its own or served with a spread of cream cheese or almond butter for extra richness. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a wonderful breakfast or snack. For a delightful twist, serve alongside a bowl of Twelve Cup Salad for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a great addition to brunch spreads.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sugarless sweet bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices in a toaster or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugarless Sweet Bread contains roughly 355 calories, with 6g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 824mg 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 other dried fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute other dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or cranberries. Just keep the total amount of dried fruit around 1.5 cups to maintain the recipe's balance. Each fruit will lend a unique flavor profile, making this bread even more versatile.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, consider using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). These alternatives will help bind the ingredients while keeping the bread moist.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments until done. The top should also be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
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).