Welsh Raisin Bread
A moist, flavorful raisin bread with warm spices, perfect for breakfast or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, fruit-filled baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover raisins with water and boil for 10 minutes.
- Drain the raisins, reserving 1 cup of the liquid, and return the raisins to the liquid.
- Add the shortening and set aside to cool.
- When cool, add eggs to the mixture.
- Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the raisin mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into 2 greased loaf pans.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Turn out the loaves onto a rack to cool.
- Slice into 20 to 22 pieces and serve buttered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the raisin mixture. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you prefer a different spice profile, try using pumpkin pie spice instead of allspice and nutmeg. Ensure the raisins are plump and juicy by soaking them in warm water before boiling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Welsh Raisin Bread warm or at room temperature, sliced into 20 to 22 pieces. It pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese for a rich treat. For a delightful breakfast, enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it with a side of Cream Of Onion Soup Potatoes for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Welsh Raisin Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, freezing them for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Welsh Raisin Bread contains roughly 264 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 466mg per serving (20% 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 instead of raisins?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even a mix of dried fruits can be used in place of raisins. Just make sure to adjust the soaking time based on the fruit's size and moisture content to ensure they remain plump and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by replacing the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg as a substitute. Additionally, substitute the shortening with a vegan butter alternative to keep it entirely plant-based.
How can I make the bread more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your Welsh Raisin Bread, consider adding citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, to the batter. You can also incorporate a splash of rum or brandy into the raisin soaking liquid for an extra depth of flavor. Experimenting with different spices can also yield delightful results.
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).