Name: Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water; 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup raisins; 0.25 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon melted butter

What is my favorite thing to bake?What is cinnamon raisin bread?If I could only bake one thing for the rest of my life, it would be this. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, a warm hug in bread form. Forget store-bought, dry versions. This is about fluffy, moist, perfectly spiced bread that’s absolutely loaded with juicy raisins and apricots. What’s the best cinnamon-sugar combo If you love Coffee Cake, you’re going to be obsessed with this, trust me.

What is Cinnamon Raisin Bread?

So, what *is* cinnamon raisin bread, exactly? Well, it’s essentially a sweet bread that’s enriched with butter, eggs, and just a touch of sugar, then generously studded with plump raisins and swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. It’s baked until golden brown and often glazed with a simple icing for extra sweetness. Think of it as a cross between a classic loaf of bread and a Cinnamon Roll, but without all the fuss of individual rolls. It’s honestly one of the easiest and most rewarding breads you can bake at home.

Why do I love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to fall in love with this recipe?

The Flavor:What is a symphony of warm spices, sweet raisins, and buttery goodness? The cinnamon and sugar swirl creates these incredible pockets of flavor throughout the bread, and the crust is crispy. What are the best raisins for chewing? Every bite is an absolute treat.
The Simplicity:What is the “bread” part of this recipe? What are some of the basic ingredients you already have in your pantry? Is this a good book to follow? I promise, even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail this!
Cost-EfficiencyWhy is store-bought cinnamon raisin bread so expensive? How do I make it at home? How do I make a whole loaf of bread for less than the cost of buying it at the store?
The Versatility:This bread is amazing on its own, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Can you toast it and slather it with butter, make French toast, or use it for sandwiches? What are the possibilities?

What I love most about this particular recipe is that it consistently produces a moist, fluffy bread with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s not too sweet, not too dry, just perfect every single time. And trust me, I’ve tested this one *a lot*. You know, for science! I even tried adding a touch of orange zest to the dough once, and it was divine!

How do you make cinnamon bread?

Quick Overview

How do you make cinnamon raisin bread? What is the best way to make a simple dough, then add in the raisins and swirling in that delicious flavor? What is the cinnamon- After rising time, we’ll bake it until golden brown and then drizzle it with a sweet glaze. It is so simple but, the smells alone will transport you to another plane of existence.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: Why?

3 cups all-purpose flour (I prefer unbleached for a slightly nutty flavor)
1/4 cup granulated sugar. 1/4 cups
How much salt is 1 teaspoon?
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast.
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F – I always heat mine in the microwave for about a minute)?
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
1 large egg

For the Filling:

1/2 cup granulated sugar. 1 teaspoon
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (use good quality cinnamon for the best flavor)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1 cup unsweet
1 cup raisins (I like to plump mine up by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before using) 1 Cup raisins.

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar. 1 teaspoon salt.
2-3 tablespoons of milk (or water) per person.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use butter for this, but cooking spray works too. Make sure to get into all the corners to prevent sticking!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Set aside. How do you make sure the yeast is evenly distributed, this is what gives bread its signature flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Set aside. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Combine

How do you mix wet and dry ingredients together? Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth. How do I make my skin smooth and elastic? If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If you add too much, the bread will be dry. How do you get the hang of dough?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Make sure your butter is nice and soft so it spreads easily.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Roll out dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and serve. Roll dough up tightly from one of the long ends, then pinch the seam to seal. Place the loaf in the prepared pan, seam side down.

Step 7: Bake

How do I make dough in a pan? Cover the pan and let it rise for about 30 minutes. How long does it take for a ball to double in size? Then, bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. How do I get the center to come out clean? If the top of the bread starts to get brown during baking, you can tent it with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. I like to let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Use a serrated knife to slice the bread. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

What to Serve It With

This cinnamon raisin bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also amazing with a variety of accompaniments.

For Breakfast: A cup of hot coffee or tea is the perfect pairing. Toast a slice and spread it with butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
For Brunch: Serve slices of cinnamon raisin bread alongside a fruit platter and a mimosa for a sophisticated brunch spread.
As Dessert: Warm slices of cinnamon raisin bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening.

My family loves to have this bread for breakfast on weekend mornings. It’s become a tradition! We always make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Sometimes, we even make French toast with it!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect cinnamon raisin bread every time:

Use Warm Milk: The warm milk helps to activate the yeast, which is essential for getting a good rise. Just make sure the milk isn’t too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined, then knead until smooth and elastic.
Plump the Raisins: Soaking the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before using them will plump them up and make them extra juicy.
Use Good Quality Cinnamon: The quality of your cinnamon will greatly impact the flavor of the bread. Use a good quality cinnamon for the best results.
Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: A warm environment will help the dough rise properly. I like to put mine in a preheated oven (turned off!) or in a warm spot near the stove.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry bread. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Glaze While Warm: Applying the glaze while the bread is still slightly warm will help it to adhere better.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap in different types of dried fruit for the raisins, such as cranberries or chopped dates. You can also add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the filling.

One time, I accidentally used cold milk instead of warm milk, and the dough didn’t rise properly. The bread was still edible, but it was much denser and not as fluffy. I learned my lesson that day!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your cinnamon raisin bread to keep it fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bread, it’s best to wait until after it’s thawed to add the glaze.

To reheat, you can simply toast a slice or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. You can also wrap the entire loaf in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe doesn’t contain zucchini. You might be looking for another recipe.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Absolutely! Simply divide the dough into muffin tins and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and the filling. You can also use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you don’t want to use a glaze, you can simply dust the bread with powdered sugar or leave it plain. You can also make a simple streusel topping by combining flour, sugar, and butter.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this cinnamon raisin bread recipe is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a taste of home, a memory of childhood, and a symbol of comfort and warmth. I truly believe that everyone should have a go-to cinnamon raisin bread recipe, and I hope this becomes yours. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting it over the years, and seeing the smiles it brings to my family and friends makes it all worthwhile. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other bread recipes, like my classic banana bread and my Chocolate Chip Zucchini bread. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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