There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread wafting through your home. This delightful bread combines the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon with the sweet, chewy texture of raisins, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up a few items if you don't already have them. Active dry yeast is essential for the bread to rise properly, and ground cinnamon adds that signature warmth and spice. Make sure to get raisins that are plump and fresh for the best texture.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
Raisins: Adds sweetness and a chewy texture to the bread.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with a warm, spicy flavor.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the bread.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Active dry yeast: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When kneading the dough, ensure it is smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. This helps develop the gluten, giving the bread a better structure and chew. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour gradually, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bread denser.
raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a similar texture and a slightly tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.
warm milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that can replace butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and does not need to be dissolved in water before adding to the dough.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Bread
How to Store or Freeze This Bread
- Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
- Wrap the cinnamon raisin bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Alternatively, place it in a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
- Store the wrapped bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
- For freezing, slice the bread first. This allows you to take out only what you need without defrosting the entire loaf.
- Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This prevents the slices from sticking together.
- Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the slices at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer for a quick and delicious treat.
- For an extra touch, spread some butter or cream cheese on the toasted slices. The warmth will enhance the cinnamon flavor and make the raisins even more delightful.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap the cinnamon raisin bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Toaster Method:
- Slice the bread into individual pieces.
- Place the slices in a toaster or toaster oven.
- Toast on a medium setting until the slices are warm and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place a slice of cinnamon raisin bread on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the bread with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking to ensure it doesn't become too soft or soggy.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly butter both sides of the bread slices.
- Place the slices in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warmed and slightly toasted.
Steaming Method:
- Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place a steaming basket over the pot, ensuring the water does not touch the basket.
- Wrap the cinnamon raisin bread in a clean kitchen towel and place it in the steaming basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is warmed through.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix the ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the precise amount of flour, milk, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like yeast, salt, and cinnamon.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients together before kneading.
Loaf pan: A greased pan where the dough will be placed to rise and bake.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dough while it rises to prevent it from drying out.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the bread.
Cooling rack: A rack where the bread will cool down after baking.
Pastry brush: Used to apply melted butter to the dough if needed.
Thermometer: To check the temperature of the milk to ensure it is warm but not too hot for the yeast.
Knife: For slicing the bread once it has cooled.
How to Save Time on Making This Bread
Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure all ingredients and have them ready to go. This reduces prep time and ensures a smooth workflow.
Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to knead the dough. This saves time and effort compared to kneading by hand.
Warm the milk quickly: Warm the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds instead of using the stovetop.
Soak raisins in advance: Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before starting. This helps them blend into the dough more easily.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Raisins
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 cup Milk warm
- 1 tablespoon Butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoon Active dry yeast
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- 2. Add flour, salt, and ground cinnamon to the mixture. Knead until a dough forms.
- 3. Fold in the raisins. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan.
- 4. Cover and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
- 5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- 6. Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Check out these recipes too!
- Maple Bacon Cupcakes Recipe40 Minutes
- Mango Lime Tart Recipe50 Minutes
- Mango Coconut Parfait Recipe10 Minutes
- Mango Coconut Cheesecake Cups Recipe20 Minutes
- Lemon Poppy Seed Bars Recipe40 Minutes
- Irish Cream Brownies Recipe45 Minutes
- Hazelnut Brownies Recipe45 Minutes
- Grilled Pineapple Recipe20 Minutes
- Fruit and Nut Chocolate Bark Recipe15 Minutes
- Espresso Cheesecake Bars Recipe1 Hours
- Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookie Recipe27 Minutes
- Cranberry Walnut Oat Bars Recipe45 Minutes
Leave a Reply