Cinnamon Raisin Bread is more than just a loaf of bread; it’s a warm embrace of flavors and aromas that can make any kitchen feel like home. Imagine waking up to the scent of fresh cinnamon and sweet raisins wafting through your house, enticing you to enjoy a slice of this delicious bread. Whether you savor it as a breakfast delight, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe brings a nostalgic touch that is hard to resist. The combination of soft, pillowy bread infused with the rich flavor of cinnamon and the sweetness of raisins creates an experience that transcends mere sustenance.
Why We Love This Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
The reasons to love this recipe are plentiful. First, it captures the essence of homemade goodness. There’s something incredibly satisfying about kneading your dough and waiting for it to rise, building anticipation for that first bite. The sweetness of the raisins complements the warm spices perfectly. Moreover, it’s a versatile recipe—great on its own, toasted with a pat of butter, or transformed into French toast. Sharing a loaf of this bread with family or friends can spark joy and conversation around the table.
Additionally, the simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible for any home baker. With items you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch without a special trip to the store. This recipe also provides flexibility for customization, whether it’s changing the type of sugar or adding nuts for extra crunch. Overall, this is a timeless recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and joy straight from your oven to your table.
Ingredients about Cinnamon Raisin Bread
To start, gather the following ingredients. These kitchen staples come together to create something truly magical.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Each of these components plays a vital role in creating the perfect loaf. The warm water awakens the yeast, while the combination of flour, sugar, and cinnamon gives the bread its structure and flavor. The golden raisins add a delightful sweetness that elevates the overall taste.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bread Directions
Making Cinnamon Raisin Bread is an engaging and rewarding process. Follow these steps to create your own loaf:
- Begin by activating the yeast. In a medium bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is an essential step, as it ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, Kosher salt, and the golden raisins. Make sure everything is well-mixed to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Once the yeast is foamy, pour it into the bowl containing your dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Don’t worry about making it perfect at this stage; it will all come together in the kneading process.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Begin to knead it with your hands, folding and pressing the dough for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth and elastic texture.
- Once kneading is complete, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size. This should take about 2-3 hours, allowing the dough to develop its flavor and texture.
- After the dough has risen sufficiently, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a Dutch oven inside as it heats.
- When the oven is ready, turn the dough out onto a floured surface again and gently form it into a ball. Cover with the kitchen towel and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax.
- While your dough rests, take a piece of parchment paper and place it near your work area. Transfer the rested dough onto the parchment paper. Carefully, use a sharp knife to slash the top of the dough, allowing it to expand as it bakes.
- Using oven mitts, remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Lift the parchment paper with the dough and carefully place it into the Dutch oven. Cover with the lid.
- Bake your Cinnamon Raisin Bread covered for 30 minutes to develop a nice crust. After that, remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes. This step allows the top to brown beautifully, giving you that crusty yet soft texture we crave.
- Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread!
Baking can require patience, but the end result is worth every moment of waiting.
How to Serve Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Now that your Cinnamon Raisin Bread is perfectly baked and cooled, it’s time to explore the many ways you can serve it. Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Breakfast Delight: Toast a slice and slather it with a generous spoonful of butter. The combination of the warm bread and melting butter is simply divine.
- Jam or Spread: Spread a thin layer of your favorite jam or cream cheese over a slice for an extra touch of flavor. Pairing it with a fruit spread brings an added sweetness that complements the cinnamon and raisins beautifully.
- French Toast: This recipe easily transforms into a decadent breakfast dish. Dip thick slices of your Cinnamon Raisin Bread in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then cook on a skillet until golden brown. Top with maple syrup and fresh fruit for an indulgent morning treat.
- Snack Time: Enjoy a slice as is for a delightful snack during the day. It is satisfying enough to quell your hunger without feeling heavy.
- Dessert Option: Top your slice with whipped cream and fresh berries for a light dessert option that’s sure to impress your guests.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this bread will surely delight your taste buds.
Expert Tips: Cinnamon Raisin Bread
To elevate your baking experience, consider these expert tips:
- Measuring Ingredients: Make sure to measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can lead to a dense bread, while too little can result in a sticky dough.
- Warm Water: Ensure that your water temperature is warm, but not hot. If it is too hot, it can kill the yeast. A good guideline is around 110°F.
- Kneading Technique: If you’re new to kneading, push the dough away from you with the palm of your hand, then fold it back over itself. Turn it a quarter turn and repeat. This technique helps develop gluten, resulting in a better texture.
- Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a dash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor, or try incorporating chopped nuts for crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Baking in a Dutch Oven: Using a Dutch oven mimics a professional steam oven, which gives the bread a lovely crust. Ensure it is thoroughly preheated before placing dough inside.
Following these tips will help make your baking process smoother and yield fantastic results.
How to Store Cinnamon Raisin Bread
To maintain the freshness of your Cinnamon Raisin Bread, proper storage is essential:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bread within a few days, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a cool, dry place. This will keep the bread moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Longer Storage: For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container before freezing. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toast the slices straight from the freezer or thaw them at room temperature.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating bread can lead to staleness. Since the bread dries out in cooler air, it’s better to keep it at room temperature or freeze it.
Storing your bread correctly ensures you can enjoy its flavors long after baking.
Variation of Cinnamon Raisin Bread
As delightful as the original Cinnamon Raisin Bread is, experimenting with variations can create exciting new flavors:
- Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch and richness. The nuts pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the raisins and spices.
- Dried Fruits: Instead of just raisins, try adding a mixture of dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries for a colorful and flavorful twist.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate a touch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor profile. These spices complement the cinnamon beautifully.
- Swirl Loaf: After kneading the dough, roll it out and spread a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the surface. Roll it back up and place it in a loaf pan for a beautiful swirl effect in each slice.
- Glazed Top: For a sweet finish, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over cooled slices. It adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Each of these variations can personalize the recipe to match your preferences, making it enjoyable for any occasion.
FAQ about Cinnamon Raisin Bread
What makes Cinnamon Raisin Bread different from regular bread?
Cinnamon Raisin Bread is distinct due to the infusion of cinnamon and the addition of sweet raisins, which provide both flavor and texture. Unlike regular bread, which typically has a more neutral taste, this bread offers a delightful hint of sweetness and spice.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted for bread flour, but note that it may result in a denser loaf. It’s advisable to start with a blend of bread flour and whole wheat flour to maintain the desired texture while enhancing nutrition.
How long does it take to rise the dough?
The dough typically takes about 2-3 hours to rise until it doubles in size. Factors such as room temperature can affect this time, so be sure to check for the dough’s growth.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar and ensure no animal-derived ingredients are used. Additionally, check that the bread flour is free from additives that may not be vegan-friendly.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Cinnamon Raisin Bread?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a dash of vanilla extract or incorporating other spices like nutmeg or ginger to the dough. Experimenting with flavorings can turn your loaf into something even more special.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1.5 cups warm water Around 110°F
- 1 tsp active dry yeast For activating the dough
- 3 cups bread flour Plus more for dusting
- 3/4 cup golden raisins For sweetness
- 4 tbsp brown sugar For sweetness and flavor
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon Main spice
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, Kosher salt, and golden raisins.
- Once the yeast is foamy, mix it into the dry ingredients and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 2-3 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
- Once risen, form the dough into a ball and let it rest for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and use a sharp knife to slash the top.
- Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 20 minutes until browned and crusty.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
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