There’s something comforting about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon raisin sourdough bread. It fills the kitchen and brings back memories of cozy mornings and family gatherings. The tang of sourdough, sweet cinnamon, and chewy raisins create a delicious and irresistible flavor. Whether toasted with butter, in a sandwich, or on its own, this bread becomes a favorite in any home.
Why We Love Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
Cinnamon raisin sourdough bread holds a special place in many people’s hearts for several reasons:
- The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory: The tangy flavor of sourdough balances beautifully with the sweetness of cinnamon and raisins. It’s the kind of bread that satisfies both your craving for something savory and your desire for a touch of sweetness.
- Nostalgic Comfort: There’s something inherently comforting about sourdough bread. Its rich history, coupled with the cozy warmth of cinnamon and raisins, makes it a favorite for many. It’s the perfect loaf for sharing during family gatherings or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
- Health Benefits: Sourdough bread undergoes a natural fermentation process, which can make it easier to digest than other types of bread. The long fermentation also enhances the bread’s depth of flavor. Raisins, known for their natural sweetness, offer antioxidants, fiber, and a boost of energy.
But, beyond all these great qualities, there’s a very simple reason why people love this bread: it tastes amazing. The combination of ingredients makes it a versatile bread for breakfast, snack time, or even a quick bite to go with your favorite cheese.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Flour: Provides structure and texture, typically a mix of all-purpose and bread flour.
Sourdough Starter: Gives the bread its tangy flavor and helps it rise.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness to the bread.
Raisins: Offer sweetness and texture, balancing the tang of the sourdough.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
Making cinnamon raisin sourdough bread can be a rewarding process, but it does require some patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that perfect loaf.
Step 1: Prepare the Starter
Before starting, ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, bring it to room temperature and feed it at least 6-8 hours before you plan to bake. This will ensure that the yeast is active and ready to rise the dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add your sourdough starter, water, and sugar (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until the dough begins to form. You can use a spoon or your hands for this. It may be a bit sticky, but that’s okay—just keep mixing until it all comes together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. This will help develop the gluten and give the bread its chewy texture. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, but try to keep it to a minimum so you don’t make the dough too dense.
Step 4: First Rise
Once your dough is kneaded and smooth, place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The fermentation process during this time allows the dough to develop flavor and texture.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Now, fold in your soaked raisins, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Once the raisins are incorporated, shape the dough into a round loaf.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper and cover it again. Let it rise for another 2-3 hours, or until it has puffed up. This is your dough’s final rise before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) while the dough is rising. Once it’s ready, score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or bread lame. This allows the bread to expand and form a beautiful crust. Place your dough (with parchment paper) into a preheated Dutch oven or on a baking stone. Cover and bake for 20-25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step is important, as cutting into the bread too soon could disrupt its structure and texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
Use a Well-Developed Starter: Make sure your starter is healthy and bubbly for the best rise and flavor. If your starter isn’t performing well, it may result in a dense loaf.
Control the Hydration: Sourdough bread dough can vary in hydration, but a slightly wetter dough tends to create a softer, more airy crumb. Add water gradually if the dough feels too stiff.
Patience is Key: Sourdough takes time to develop its flavor. Don’t rush the rising and fermentation process. Letting the dough rise slowly results in a better texture and flavor.
Score the Dough Properly: Scoring the top of your dough not only helps with its rise but also gives it a beautiful appearance. It’s an essential step in creating that signature sourdough look.
Variations of Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
While this classic cinnamon raisin sourdough bread is absolutely delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to mix things up:
Add Nuts: For extra crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the raisins.
Vegan Version: Swap out the butter and use plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut oil, to make this bread vegan-friendly.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Love chocolate? Add some dark chocolate chips alongside the raisins for a decadent, dessert-like twist.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dough. These spices enhance the cinnamon and bring a warm, comforting aroma.
Serving Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
Cinnamon raisin sourdough bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
Classic Pairing: A slice of this bread with a pat of butter is an absolute treat. It’s the perfect comforting snack, especially when served warm.
Make Toast: Toast a slice of the bread, then spread with cream cheese or your favorite nut butter. Top with fresh fruit, like bananas or strawberries, for a sweet breakfast or snack.
With Cheese: Pair your bread with sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie for a sophisticated snack.
Sweet Treat: Drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the bread for an extra layer of sweetness. It makes for a perfect dessert or indulgent breakfast.
FAQ: Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
What makes cinnamon raisin sourdough bread different from regular cinnamon bread?
Cinnamon raisin sourdough bread uses a naturally fermented sourdough starter, which gives it a tangy flavor and chewy texture. Regular cinnamon bread typically uses commercial yeast and lacks the depth of flavor found in sourdough.
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Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or spelt flour, but be mindful that this may affect the dough’s texture and rise.
How do I know when my cinnamon raisin sourdough bread is fully baked?
You’ll know the bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Alternatively, you can check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should read around 200°F (93°C).
Can I make this bread without a sourdough starter?
While the unique flavor of sourdough comes from the starter, you can use active dry yeast as a substitute. However, the bread may have a different texture and flavor profile.
How do I store cinnamon raisin sourdough bread?
Store your bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a cloth to preserve the crust. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze it for later. Simply toast it to refresh it.
Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Flour
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter active and bubbly
- 1 cup raisins soaked in water for 15 minutes
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 cup water lukewarm
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine water, sourdough starter, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate the starter.
- Mix the flour, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 3 hours until it doubles in size.
- Fold in the raisins, shaping the dough into a round loaf.
- Place the dough in a preheated Dutch oven, cover, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, until golden brown.