This soft and fluffy raisin and walnut bread is a delightful treat for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. The golden raisins, brown raisins, and chopped walnuts add bursts of flavor and crunch, while a hint of lemon zest elevates its aroma. Perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Lukewarm Milk: 200ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp)
- Sugar: 4 tbsp (50g)
- Active Dry Yeast: 1 tbsp (7g)
- Eggs: 2
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Flour: 450g (about 3 1/2 cups) + 80-100g (about 2/3 cup) for kneading
- Butter: 2-3 tbsp, softened
For the Filling:
- Butter: 2-3 tbsp, softened
- Lemon Zest: From half a lemon
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Golden Raisins: 1-2 tbsp
- Brown Raisins: 1-2 tbsp
- Chopped Walnuts: 2-3 tbsp
For the Topping:
- Egg Yolk: 1
- Milk: 1 tbsp
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Add eggs and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add 450g of flour while stirring until a dough forms.
- Add 80-100g more flour as needed and knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Grease a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Divide and Fill:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal parts.
- Roll each part into a rectangle. Spread 2-3 tbsp softened butter over the surface of each rectangle.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest, 1 tbsp sugar, golden raisins, brown raisins, and chopped walnuts.
- Shape the Bread:
- Roll the dough tightly into logs and place them in a greased 24-26 cm (9 to 10-inch) baking pan.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 330°F (165°C).
- Brush the tops of the dough with a mixture of 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or cream cheese.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
- Enjoy as a sweet breakfast treat.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the milk is lukewarm (not hot) to activate the yeast.
- For plump raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the filling.
Nutritional Benefits
- Raisins: Provide natural sweetness and are high in antioxidants.
- Walnuts: Add healthy fats and omega-3s.
- Eggs and Milk: Contribute protein and essential vitamins.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approx.):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and warm before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture with bursts of sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts.
- A hint of lemon zest adds a refreshing touch.
- Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
- Simple yet elegant, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Conclusion
This raisin and walnut bread is a delightful homemade treat that combines soft, pillowy dough with a flavorful filling. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted with butter, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will brighten any table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, use the same amount and skip the activation step.
- What if I don’t have golden raisins? Replace them with regular raisins or dried cranberries.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the bread will be denser. Use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for better texture.
- How do I prevent the bread from drying out? Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Can I skip the nuts? Yes, the bread will still be delicious without them.
- What if my dough doesn’t rise? Ensure your yeast is active and the environment is warm enough for rising.
- Can I add other spices? Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg pairs well with the raisins and walnuts.
- How do I know the bread is fully baked? It should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Replace milk with plant-based milk, butter with vegan butter, and eggs with flax eggs.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze after the first rise and thaw before shaping and baking.