The Best Raspberry Bread Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, delightful treat that bursts with fruity flavor and melts in your mouth, look no further than The Best Raspberry Bread. This isn’t just any quick bread; it’s a luscious loaf packed with juicy raspberries, boasting a tender crumb and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become your go-to, delivering moist texture and aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making The Best Raspberry Bread shine. Each element is simple yet essential, contributing to the loaf’s moistness, crumb, sweetness, and of course, that vibrant raspberry burst we all love.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups + 4 tablespoons): Provides the structure that holds the bread together while keeping it tender.
• Light brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Enhances sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Acts as a leavening agent to give the bread its rise and lightness.
• Salt (pinch, optional): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Brings richness and a soft, moist crumb.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
• Buttermilk (¾ cup): Adds tanginess and tenderizes the bread for moist results.
• Canola or vegetable oil (¼ cup): Keeps the bread super moist for days.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Provides warmth and rounding richness to the flavor profile.
• Raspberries (10 to 12 ounces, about 2 cups): The star ingredient delivering bursts of juicy sweetness in every slice.

How to Make The Best Raspberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, then dust it with flour to ensure your raspberry bread releases cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt if you like. This dry mix sets the foundation of flavors and structure, so getting it well combined is important.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Gently melt the butter, then whisk it with the egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Taking care to let the butter cool slightly ensures you don’t cook the egg when mixing.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. The batter will be lumpy—and that’s perfect because overmixing develops gluten and can make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Coat and Fold in the Raspberries

Toss your fresh or frozen raspberries with the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter. This step guarantees each bite has beautiful pockets of juicy berries.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly, then bake for 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on your berries’ freshness. To keep the top from over-browning, tent with foil halfway through baking. The bread is done when it’s springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted in a raspberry-free spot comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This resting time helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve The Best Raspberry Bread

Garnishes

For a simple yet beautiful touch, dust your raspberry bread with powdered sugar just before serving. Or spread a light smear of cream cheese or mascarpone cream to complement the bread’s sweetness and deepen the flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread is fantastic paired with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly, then top with ricotta and honey for a wow-worthy treat. You can also turn it into French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and serving with warm syrup and berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover raspberry bread tightly and store it at room temperature for up to a week. The moist crumb stays fresh because of the oil and buttermilk, but be sure to keep it airtight to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe bags. Frozen raspberry bread stays delicious for up to six months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or gently warm them in the toaster or oven to revive that freshly baked feel. A quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds also works if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for The Best Raspberry Bread?

Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work wonderfully; just expect the baking time to be a bit longer. Coating them with flour helps minimize sinking and messy batter.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This creates a similar tang and acidity that tenderize the bread.

Why does the bread sometimes turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter can develop gluten, resulting in a tougher loaf. Stir just until the ingredients come together and keep the lumps—you want a delicate crumb and moist texture.

How do I prevent the bread from burning on top?

Around the 30-minute mark in baking, tent the bread with foil to prevent over-browning while the inside finishes baking. This balances the crust and crumb perfectly.

Can I replace the raspberries with other berries?

Yes! Blueberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries can be delicious substitutes. Adjust baking time slightly based on fruit juiciness.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Raspberry Bread is such a joy, especially when you take your first bite of that soft, berry-studded slice. This recipe brings comfort and freshness together in every loaf, so I encourage you to give it a try soon. Share it with loved ones or savor it with your favorite cup of tea or coffee—you won’t regret having this recipe in your baking repertoire!

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