Hobo Raisin Bread

Ginny McMeans

Ginny McMeans

Published:

October 25, 2017

Last Modified:

May 9, 2024

Hobo Raisin Bread is a recipe that has been passed around for over a century, at least. 5 Ingredients not counting salt and water. ‘You just have to bake this bread’. So easy.

Hobo Raisin Bread is on a white plate with a few slices laying in front of the main loaf and at angles to see all the raisins inside. All on a green cloth.

Hobo Raisin Bread is easy. Extreeeemely easy! It’s one of those recipes that’s been passed around forever by all the mothers and aunts because ‘you just had to bake this bread’.

There has never been any dairy involved. There are different versions as I did my research but none had eggs or butter. It bakes perfectly the way it is.

Humble, old-timey and it’s just too delicious and easy to pass up.

Hobo Raisin Bread is a recipe that has been passed around for half a century, at least.  5 Ingredients. 'You just have to bake this bread'.
The first five ingredients are 2 cups each which makes this quick bread fun to make too. Lots of raisins and it also toasts up perfectly.

This modernized recipe is no exception. Updated with coconut sugar all of the ingredients go into one bowl, mixed and then poured into a loaf pan to bake. That’s all you do!

It’s a dark sweet bread that is actually very cake like. Very moist and it works equally well as breakfast or dessert. After you give Hobo Raisin Bread a try I think you’ll be passing around the recipe too.

Hobo Raisin Bread is featured in an overhead photo. Sitting on a rectangle plate with a few slice set in front. All are on a green cloth and beaded mat.

I can’t find any real facts behind Hobo Bread except you can cook it in a coffee can or soup cans on a campfire as a hobo might have had to do.

And maybe because many of the recipe’s ingredients are the same measurement. That would be a lot easier since I presume that hobo’s don’t carry around measuring cups.

Maybe too because, traditionally, there aren’t any eggs or milk in the recipe. Maybe it’s all of the above. It’s fun to think about anyway.

Store in airtight container or freeze.

The bread keeps a couple of weeks in the refrigerator or you could freeze it for a longer period of time in a rigid sided container. You can pre-slice it if you like.

Hobo Raisin Bread is a recipe that has been passed around for half a century, at least.  5 Ingredients. 'You just have to bake this bread'.

Hobo Raisin Bread

Ginny McMeans
4.8900 from 18 votes
Hobo Raisin Bread is a recipe that has been passed around for half a century, at least.  5 Ingredients. ‘You just have to bake this bread’. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10 Servings

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Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups raisins
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • 2 cups coconut sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Lightly grease a 5″ X 9″ Loaf Pan.
  • Pour all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
  • Mix until just blended.
  • Pour into the prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
  • Cool on a rack for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.
  • Remove from pan and let cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving:1Serving, Calories:362kcal, Carbohydrates:86g, Protein:6g, Fat:1g, Sodium:408mg, Potassium:353mg, Fiber:5g, Sugar:21g, Vitamin C:1.6mg, Calcium:20mg, Iron:2.8mg

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25 responses to “Hobo Raisin Bread”

4.89 from 18 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Made the bread can’t wait to have a slice

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I am jealous. Wish I was there with you!

  2. Jessica Avatar

    5 stars
    I’ve never heard of hobo bread before. Love how simple and easy this bread is!

  3. Elizabeth | The Recipe Revival Avatar

    This looks so yummy! There are so many raisins in every bite and I love it! 🙂

  4. Jeni @ Biscuits & Booze Avatar

    5 stars
    I remember this bread! I think my grandmother used to put applesauce in hers. I love that you posted this recipe. I’m going to have to bake this up. Nothing tastes better than nostalgia!

  5. Vicky Avatar

    5 stars
    I need to make this bread! Love that it is dairy free and has been around for generations!

  6. Gina Avatar
    Gina

    5 stars
    This is perfect for a recipe in a jar gift, especially for teachers. Thanks for sharing!

  7. Ginny McMeans Avatar

    I’m at a loss. I don’t get the tough part at all. And those were a lot of changes so it is crazy that it’s the same. I’m really sorry you’ve had such problems. There are variations of hobo bread. Maybe you could check on one of those on the internet. None of them should have eggs or dairy.

  8. Vaughn Avatar

    5 stars
    Looks so delicious

  9. Bintu Avatar

    5 stars
    This looks very tasty – and how great that it only needs a handful of ingredients!

  10. Tina Lindquist Avatar

    5 stars
    I have never heard of coconut sugar, how interesting. This looks easy AND delicious, going to have to try this!

  11. Megan Avatar

    Oooo I love that this doesn’t use egg since I’m allergic!

  12. Brandi Avatar

    5 stars
    This looks so good. I love that it’s only 5 ingredients.

  13. Armina Brackeen Avatar
    Armina Brackeen

    Do you have a gluten free alternative to this Hobo Raisin Bread?

  14. Armina Brackeen Avatar
    Armina Brackeen

    Thank you, Ginny.
    I’m really enjoying your recipes for I have two adult children that are vegans and your recipes help me with cooking for them, and I enjoy this food, as well. Armina

  15. Bianca Avatar
    Bianca

    Do I need to use whole wheat pastry flour or can I just do 4 cups of white flour? I just don’t have any on hand. Thanks !

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      You can use white flour Bianca.

      1. Bianca Avatar
        Bianca

        Thanks!

        Also, have you tried putting cinnamon in the bread? Would like to add some.

        1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

          No Bianca but I’m sure you could.

  16. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    Do you think all purpose gluten free flour would work?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      It’s suppose to work 1 to 1 measurement Anna. I would love to hear how it goes but it should work.

  17. Gayle Avatar
    Gayle

    5 stars
    It tastes so good! Perfect instructions, thank you!

  18. Larry Avatar
    Larry

    I used craisins instead raisins. I also used 3/4 tbl of blood orange balsamic oil. The batter tasted awesome. I’ll let you know how it tastes when it’s done baking.

Ginny McMeans

Ginny McMeans

Hi, my name is Ginny and it is fantastic that you have come to visit and see my recipes. I have a positive attitude and can’t seem to be in nature enough. My North American bird count is 678 and I’m always watching for mammals and insects too. My head is stuffed full of recipes that I want to create and life is just to dang short. The recipes feature healthy and delicious vegan food that you can enjoy now or freeze for future meals.

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