Raspberry Bread

This Raspberry Bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every slice. Imagine the sweet and tart flavor of fresh raspberries combined with a tender, buttery bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet dessert after dinner, you’ll find that each bite offers a burst of fruity goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a homemade loaf without all the fuss. The rich combination of butter and buttermilk creates a moist base, while the vibrant raspberries add a playful pop of color and flavor. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on making The Best Raspberry Bread together!

Why This Recipe Works

This Raspberry Bread recipe is designed to balance flavors, textures, and moistness, ensuring an ideal loaf every time. The combination of butter and buttermilk provides richness, while the fresh raspberries keep the bread light and fruity. The careful consideration of ingredient proportions guarantees that the raspberries play a starring role without compromising the bread’s integrity. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The perfect loaf should be moist yet sturdy enough to hold the beautiful raspberry pieces, and this recipe achieves just that.

Why You’ll Love This The Best Raspberry Bread

You’ll fall head over heels for this delightful Raspberry Bread! Its soft, tender crumb and vibrant bursts of fresh berries elevate your snacking experience. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, each slice offers a taste of summer, delighting both your palate and heart. As you enjoy it, you’ll appreciate how versatile it is, pairing perfectly with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of ice cream. Each mouthful brings a comforting familiarity and a dash of joyous nostalgia, making it an irresistible favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups + 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 10 to 12 ounces fresh raspberries (about 2 cups)

Preparing Your Raspberry Bread

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring it. Setting it aside now ensures you’re ready to go when your batter is mixed.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups + 2 tablespoons of flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt if desired. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, creating a dry mixture ready for the wet additions. Setting this aside brings us one step closer to that sweet, fragrant bread.

Melt the Butter

In a medium microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, melt the butter in the microwave for about 45 seconds on high power. It’s important to let it cool slightly afterward to prevent scrambling the egg in the next step. This melted butter adds richness and depth to our bread.

Mix Wet Ingredients

To the slightly cooled melted butter, add the large egg, buttermilk, canola or vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and flavorful base for your batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is somewhat lumpy—overmixing can lead to a tough bread, and we definitely want to keep it tender!

Toss Raspberries in Flour

In a medium bowl, add the fresh raspberries along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour. Lightly toss the raspberries to coat them, which helps reduce sinking during baking. This small step is crucial for an even distribution of berries throughout your loaf.

Fold in Raspberries

Carefully fold the coated raspberries into the batter. Use a gentle hand to ensure they are evenly distributed without crushing them. This way, each slice of bread will have beautiful chunks of fruit that surprise you with their flavor.

Transfer Batter to the Prepared Pan

Turn the batter out into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula, pushing it into the corners and sides if necessary. This step helps it rise evenly, resulting in a lovely dome shape.

Bake the Raspberry Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour. Look for the bread to be set on top, slightly domed, and springy to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating that it’s perfectly baked.

Let the Bread Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving. This cooling time is vital for keeping the loaf intact as you cut it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Raspberry Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a spread of cream cheese, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of tea or coffee. The sweet and tangy flavor complements many beverages, making it a go-to choice for gatherings or cozy mornings at home.

Tips for Success

• Ensure that your ingredients—especially buttermilk and eggs—are at room temperature for better mixing. This adjustment leads to a more consistent batter.
• Be gentle when incorporating the raspberries to maintain their integrity and the overall texture of the bread.
• If you prefer a sweeter loaf, feel free to adjust the sugar levels according to your preference. Sweetening it up a bit can add to that delightful experience.

Variations

Consider adding other berries such as blueberries or strawberries for a mixed berry bread. You can also incorporate lemon zest for a citrusy twist or chopped nuts for added crunch. Each variation offers a unique flair, allowing you to get creative in your kitchen.

Storage Tips

Store the Raspberry Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze it for up to six months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator overnight. Keeping it fresh ensures you can enjoy this treat for a long time.

Pairing Ideas

Connect this delightful bread with a variety of accompaniments, such as:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special dessert twist
• Yogurt parfaits with granola for a hearty breakfast option
• A fruit salad to enhance the berry flavor, making it a refreshing side

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but do not thaw them beforehand. This helps maintain their shape and adds a fun frozen touch to the bread.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend. This adjustment makes it accessible without sacrificing flavor.

3. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it’s domed, springy, and a toothpick inserted into it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This ensures the perfect texture.

4. How should I store leftover Raspberry Bread?
Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its deliciousness.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to this Raspberry Bread?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips provides an extra layer of flavor, where their sweetness complements the tartness of the raspberries beautifully.

This Raspberry Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s an inviting experience that fills your kitchen with scrumptious aromas and your heart with joy. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, each slice reminds us of sunny days and sweet gatherings. Enjoy baking and cherishing this delightful creation!

Print