There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it’s infused with the sweet scent of cinnamon and dotted with plump raisins. Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a cozy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread is perfect for:
- Baking Enthusiasts: A rewarding and satisfying baking project that’s worth the effort.
- Weekend Brunches: Impress your family and friends with a warm loaf fresh from the oven.
- Versatile Snacking: Enjoy it toasted with butter, as French toast, or even in bread pudding.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
Directions
Activating the Yeast
- Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Preparing the Dough
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the proofed yeast mixture, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add flour: Gradually add 3 ½ cups of flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Rising: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Filling and Shaping
- Prepare filling: In a small bowl, mix together the raisins, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle roughly 9×14 inches.
- Add filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar raisin mixture evenly over the dough.
- Shape the loaf: Starting from one short end, roll up the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Second Rise and Baking
- Prepare loaf pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Transfer dough: Place the rolled dough seam side down into the prepared loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Once the dough has risen, bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
- Soaking Raisins: If your raisins are dry, plump them up by soaking them in warm water or rum for about 15 minutes before using.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
- Storage: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread is delicious served warm or toasted with a smear of butter or cream cheese. It also makes fantastic French toast or bread pudding. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in equal amounts. However, you can skip the proofing step and mix the instant yeast directly with the other dry ingredients.
Can I omit the raisins?
Certainly! If you prefer plain cinnamon bread, feel free to omit the raisins from the recipe.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Keep in mind that the texture may be denser compared to using all-purpose flour.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the point of shaping, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature and continue with the shaping, rising, and baking steps.
Conclusion
Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a delightful treat that fills your home with warmth and coziness. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, this bread is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration!