Recipe for Raisin Cinnamon Bread: A Baker’s Delight

The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread wafting through your kitchen… is there anything more comforting? This Recipe For Raisin Cinnamon Bread is your passport to that very experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will equip you with everything you need to create a loaf that’s soft, fragrant, and utterly irresistible. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this classic treat!

Just like the cinnamon raisin bread recipe, this recipe uses simple ingredients but yields exceptional results. Let’s dive into the magic of bread making!

Understanding the Ingredients for Raisin Cinnamon Bread

Before we embark on our baking journey, let’s familiarize ourselves with the key players in this recipe for raisin cinnamon bread. Each ingredient contributes to the final texture and flavor, so understanding their roles is essential.

• Flour: The foundation of our bread. All-purpose flour works beautifully here, providing structure and chewiness. Bread flour can also be used for a chewier texture. Remember, the way you handle flour—from measuring to kneading—impacts the final product.
• Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes our bread rise. Yeast is a living organism that feeds on sugar, releasing carbon dioxide which creates those beautiful air pockets we all love. Active dry yeast is the most commonly used type for this recipe.
• Milk: Provides moisture and richness. Warm milk is crucial for activating the yeast, so ensure it’s the right temperature. Think lukewarm, like a baby’s bathwater – not too hot, not too cold.
• Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness. Melted butter contributes to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality of the bread.
• Sugar: Not just for sweetness! Sugar also feeds the yeast and contributes to the bread’s golden-brown crust. Granulated sugar is typically used.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s richness and structure.
• Cinnamon: The star of the show! Ground cinnamon adds that warm, comforting spice that defines cinnamon raisin bread.
• Raisins: Plump, juicy raisins provide bursts of sweetness and a delightful chewiness.

The Perfect Recipe for Raisin Cinnamon Bread

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: the recipe! This recipe for raisin cinnamon bread has been perfected over years of baking and countless loaves. It’s straightforward, easy to follow, and yields consistently delicious results.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup sugar, for the filling

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and ¼ cup sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This is a critical step – foamy yeast means it’s alive and ready to work its magic!
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Similar to the zucchini recipes bread, incorporating the flour gradually prevents lumps and ensures even mixing.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty – kneading is therapeutic and crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water inside creates a perfect rising environment.
6. Roll and Fill: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Sprinkle with the cinnamon, raisins, and ¼ cup of sugar.
7. Shape the Loaf: Tightly roll the dough from the long side, pinching the seam to seal. Place the loaf seam-down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Rolling out raisin cinnamon bread dough

8. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Freshly baked raisin cinnamon bread loaf

10. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slices of raisin cinnamon bread

Tips and Tricks for the Best Raisin Cinnamon Bread

• Soaking the Raisins: Soaking the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough helps to plump them up and prevent them from drying out during baking. This adds to their juicy texture and flavor.
• The Windowpane Test: To check if your dough has been kneaded enough, perform the windowpane test. Gently stretch a small piece of dough. If it stretches thin enough to see light through it without tearing, you’re good to go!
• Glaze it Up: For an extra touch of sweetness and shine, brush the warm loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Bread Machines and Other Baking Adventures

For those who love the convenience of a bread machine, check out our bread recipes for bread making machines for more inspiration. This recipe can be easily adapted for a bread machine, making baking even simpler.

Exploring Flour Options: Self-Raising Flour

Interested in trying different types of flour? Explore the wonderful world of self-raising flour with our recipe for self raising flour bread. While not traditionally used for this recipe, it can offer interesting results!

A Simple Cinnamon Bread Alternative

Looking for a variation without raisins? Our cinnamon bread recipe offers a delicious alternative. It focuses on the warm, inviting flavor of cinnamon.

Ingredients for raisin cinnamon bread

Conclusion: Baking Bliss with Raisin Cinnamon Bread

Baking a loaf of raisin cinnamon bread is more than just following a recipe; it’s an experience. The process of kneading, the anticipation of the rise, and the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen are all part of the joy. This recipe for raisin cinnamon bread provides a foolproof guide to creating a loaf that is not only delicious but also a source of pride and comfort. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of baking! Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us – we love seeing your creations!