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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