The Enduring Comfort of Raisin Bran Quick Bread

There are some recipes that, no matter how many sophisticated dishes I prepare, I find myself returning to. They aren’t born from elaborate techniques or exotic ingredients; instead, they are woven into the fabric of everyday life, offering a consistent source of simple, unpretentious delight. For me, Raisin Bran Quick Bread is one of those culinary anchors. I remember my grandmother keeping a loaf on her counter, always just a slice away from a moment of comfort. The slightly sweet, grainy texture, studded with plump raisins, was the perfect accompaniment to a glass of cold milk or a steaming mug of tea. It’s the kind of bread that makes a house smell like home, a gentle reminder of simpler times and the pure joy of a well-loved recipe.

Recipe Overview

Here are the essential details to get you started on this delightful quick bread:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Servings: 16 slices
• Yield: 1 loaf
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Gather these simple staples to create your delicious Raisin Bran Quick Bread.

• 2 cups Raisin Bran cereal, divided
• 1 1⁄4 cups nonfat milk
• 1⁄4 cup margarine, melted, divided
• 1 egg
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)

Notes on Ingredients:

• The Raisin Bran cereal provides a wonderful texture and subtle sweetness. It’s important to use the divided amounts as specified in the instructions.
• Nonfat milk keeps the bread lighter, but whole milk can also be used for a slightly richer result.
• Margarine is specified, and the melted form is crucial for incorporating smoothly into the batter.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much to make this straightforward quick bread:

• A 9×5-inch loaf pan
• A medium-sized mixing bowl
• A large mixing bowl
• A whisk or fork
• A measuring cup and spoons
• A rubber spatula or spoon for mixing
• An oven
• A wire cooling rack

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a perfectly baked loaf of Raisin Bran Quick Bread.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Ensure your oven rack is in the center position.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 1⁄2 cups of the Raisin Bran cereal with the 1 1⁄4 cups of nonfat milk and 2 tablespoons of the melted margarine. Stir these ingredients together and let them sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the cereal to soften slightly.
3. To this softened cereal mixture, add the egg and the 3⁄4 cup of sugar. Mix well with a whisk or fork until everything is thoroughly combined and the sugar has begun to dissolve.
4. In a separate, large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1⁄2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This dry ingredient mixture ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spice.
5. Pour the wet ingredients (from step 3) into the dry ingredients (from step 4). Stir until just well blended. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
6. Prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lightly greasing and flouring it. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
7. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1⁄2 cup of Raisin Bran cereal with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted margarine and the 1 tablespoon of sugar for the topping. Ensure this mixture is well blended.
8. Sprinkle this topping mixture evenly over the batter in the loaf pan. Gently press the topping into the batter so it adheres and won’t fall off during baking.
9. Bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). The bread is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
10. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan to a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. This allows the structure to set, making for cleaner slices.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevate your Raisin Bran Quick Bread with these professional insights:

• Cereal Softening: Don’t skip the initial step of soaking the Raisin Bran cereal. This softens the bran flakes, preventing them from creating a tough or overly crunchy texture in the finished bread.
• Gentle Mixing: As mentioned, overmixing the batter is the enemy of tender quick bread. Mix only until the dry ingredients are incorporated. A few streaks of flour are preferable to a tough loaf.
• Even Cooling: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack is crucial. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and helps the loaf retain its shape.
• Topping Adhesion: Gently pressing the topping into the batter ensures it bakes into the loaf, creating a delightful crunchy crust. If you prefer a looser crumble, you can simply sprinkle it on top without pressing.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This versatile quick bread is wonderful served in several ways and stores beautifully.

Raisin Bran Quick Bread is absolutely delightful when served warm or at room temperature. It’s particularly delicious when lightly toasted and spread with a generous layer of butter. A smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey also makes for a lovely accompaniment.

For storage, once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, though the texture may become slightly firmer. For longer storage, this bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat slices in a toaster or oven.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for Raisin Bran Quick Bread. Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	144.3 kcal
Calories from Fat		18%
Total Fat	2 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	2%
Cholesterol	12 mg	4%
Sodium	129 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	29.1 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	13.4 g	53%
Protein	3.3 g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderful as is, feel free to experiment with these variations:

• Nutty Addition: For an added layer of texture and flavor, stir 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the dry ingredients.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a warmer spice profile, consider adding 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves along with the cinnamon.
• Citrus Zest: A teaspoon or two of orange or lemon zest added to the wet ingredients can bring a bright, fresh note to the bread.
• Raisin Swap: If you’re not a fan of raisins, try using dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots instead.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my Raisin Bran Quick Bread dense?
A: This is likely due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.

Q: Can I make this bread without margarine?
A: Yes, you can substitute the margarine with melted butter or a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil, using the same quantities.

Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A: A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean when the bread is done.

Q: Can I use a different type of milk?
A: Absolutely! While nonfat milk is specified, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk.

Q: My topping fell off. What did I do wrong?
A: Ensure you gently press the topping mixture into the batter before baking. If you prefer a looser crumble, you can accept that some may not adhere as strongly.

Final Thoughts

This Raisin Bran Quick Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to a moment of simple pleasure. It’s the perfect bake for a weekend morning, a comforting afternoon snack, or even a delightful breakfast treat. Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea, and enjoy the wholesome goodness. I encourage you to bake this loaf, share it with loved ones, and savor the sweet simplicity it brings to your table. I’d love to hear about your baking adventures with this timeless recipe!