The Heartwarming Story Behind Raisin Bread
There’s something magical about a slice of homemade bread that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This Raisin Bread with Cottage Cheese is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary hug that brings together the sweet burst of raisins, the creamy richness of cottage cheese, and the comforting softness of freshly baked bread.
Inspired by traditional home baking, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a sweet indulgence any time of day. Each bite tells a story of comfort, tradition, and the simple joy of home cooking.
Ingredients
For the Raisin Bread
- Eggs: 2 large
- Salt: 1 pinch
- Vanilla Sugar: 1 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon sugar + 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Granulated Sugar: 100g (1/2 cup)
- Butter: 80g (5.6 tablespoons), melted
- Cottage Cheese or White Yogurt: 130g (1/2 cup)
- All-Purpose Flour: 150g (1 1/4 cups)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Raisins: 80g (1/2 cup)
- Butter (for greasing): 1 tablespoon
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting (to taste)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease a standard loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) with 1 tablespoon of butter
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal
- Create the Egg Base
- In a large mixing bowl, crack 2 eggs
- Add a pinch of salt
- Add vanilla sugar (or sugar with vanilla extract)
- Beat with an electric mixer or whisk
- Continue beating until the mixture becomes light and foamy
- Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat
- Mix until the mixture is pale and doubles in volume
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients
- Melt butter and allow to cool slightly
- Gently fold melted butter into the egg mixture
- Add cottage cheese or white yogurt
- Stir until well combined
- Ensure no large lumps remain
- Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift flour and baking powder together
- Gradually fold flour mixture into the wet ingredients
- Mix until just combined
- Do not overmix to keep the bread tender
- Fold in raisins, distributing evenly throughout the batter
- Bake to Perfection
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan
- Spread evenly with a spatula
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles
- Place in preheated oven
- Bake for 35-40 minutes
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center
- Toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs
- Cool and Serve
- Remove from oven
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes
- Transfer to a wire rack
- Allow to cool completely
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Slice and serve
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10 of the loaf)
- Calories: 220-250
- Protein: 5-6g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Calcium: 4-5% of daily value
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes Servings: 10 slices
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Raisin Tip: Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to prevent burning
- Flour Sifting: Sift flour to ensure no lumps and achieve a lighter texture
- Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients gently to maintain air in the batter
- Evenness: Use a spatula to spread batter evenly in the pan
- Moisture Check: Check bread early to prevent over-baking
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-Free Variation: Replace cottage cheese with coconut yogurt
- Fruit Alternatives: Swap raisins with cranberries, chopped apricots, or chocolate chips
- Spice It Up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter
- Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped walnuts or almonds
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese? A: Yes! Greek yogurt works well and provides similar moisture and protein.
Q2: How do I store this raisin bread? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q3: Can I freeze the bread? A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q4: My raisins always sink to the bottom. How can I prevent this? A: Toss raisins in a little flour before adding to the batter to help them stay suspended.
Q5: Can I make this bread vegan? A: Use egg replacer, plant-based yogurt, and vegan butter for a similar result.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for 3-4 days
- Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to 1 week
- Freezing: Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm slightly in toaster oven or microwave
- Prep Ahead: Mix dry ingredients the night before
Indulge in the comforting embrace of this delightful Raisin Bread—a slice of pure homemade happiness!
