Sun-Maid Holiday Hearth Loaves
A moist and flavorful apple-raisins bread with lemon and cinnamon, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings, offering a delightful combination of fruity and spiced notes.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, shredded apple ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream together butter, sugar, lemon peel, and cinnamon until well blended.
- Beat in eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add milk and lemon juice; mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda) in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until just moistened.
- Fold in shredded apples and chopped raisins.
- Spoon batter into three greased miniature loaf pans, about 3 x 6 inches each.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For a larger loaf, bake in a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan for about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of regular sugar. You can also substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. If fresh lemons aren't available, bottled lemon juice works fine. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. This recipe can be made with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
These loaves are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Sweet Milk Waffles for brunch or as a delightful dessert option. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving adds a nice visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the loaves to cool completely before storing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sun-Maid Holiday Hearth Loaves contains roughly 1845 calories, with 10g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. 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 other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute the shredded apples with grated carrots or mashed bananas for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the moisture content accordingly if using fruits that are more watery. This recipe is quite versatile and can be adapted to include your favorite fruits.
How do I know when the loaves are done baking?
The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking around the 40-minute mark for miniature loaves and the 55-minute mark for larger ones.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and using a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, ensure that the milk is replaced with a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. The resulting loaves will still be delicious and moist.
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).