Raisin Beer Bread: Slightly Sweet, Soft-Crusted, and Brewed with Comfort

This Raisin Beer Bread is quick, easy, and loaded with flavor — a rustic, no-yeast loaf that combines warm spices, juicy raisins, and malty beer for a tender, hearty bite.

It’s a one-bowl, stir-and-bake recipe that takes just minutes to prep and delivers maximum payoff: a dense yet soft loaf with subtle sweetness and big character. Toast it, butter it, or eat it warm out of the pan.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cup raisins (or golden raisins or currants)
  • 12 oz beer (brown ale, amber ale, or cream ale)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for brushing)

Beer Tip: Use a malty, lightly sweet beer like brown ale, cream ale, amber ale, or even a spiced seasonal ale. Avoid anything hoppy — bitterness clashes with the sweetness.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5″ loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Stir in raisins to coat.

Step 3: Add the Beer

Pour beer into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined — the batter will be thick and sticky.

Spoon into prepared pan and smooth the top. Pour melted butter over the batter for a golden, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

  • Toast and Top With:
    • Butter and honey
    • Cream cheese and jam
    • Peanut butter and banana
    • Cheddar slices and apple butter
  • Serve With:
    • Coffee or chai
    • Mild cheese plate
    • A smooth pint of ale on the side

Storage

  • Keeps 3–4 days at room temp in an airtight container
  • Freezes well — slice before freezing for easy toasting later

Beer Pairing

  • In the bread:
    • Brown ale
    • Amber ale
    • Cream ale
    • Holiday spiced ale
  • In your glass:
    • The same beer used in the loaf
    • Oatmeal stout or porter for contrast
    • Mild Belgian dubbel for fruity richness

Final Thoughts

Raisin Beer Bread is soft, satisfying, and just sweet enough — like a mashup of quick bread and pub loaf with warm, homey flavor in every slice.

It’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or as a rustic addition to any cheese board.

Cheers to easy baking, rich beer, and bread that’s both nostalgic and deliciously brewed! 🍞🍺🍇

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