There’s something comforting about the smell of freshly baked raisin bread filling your home. It brings back memories of cozy mornings and family gatherings. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just enjoying a homemade treat, raisin bread has a timeless charm. The soft dough and sweet raisins make it a favorite for many.
Why We Love This
Raisin bread isn’t just a delicious treat—it’s a comforting, nostalgic experience that brings people together. Here are a few reasons why raisin bread holds a special place in many hearts:
Nostalgic Comfort: There’s something inherently comforting about raisin bread. The sweet, spiced aroma reminds us of family moments, cozy kitchens, and lazy mornings. Each slice offers a sense of familiarity and warmth.
Versatile and Delicious: Whether you eat it plain, toasted with a spread of butter, or transformed into a delicious bread pudding, raisin bread works for any occasion. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and savory richness, making it ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dessert.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of raisins and cinnamon gives the bread its distinct flavor, making each bite a treat for your taste buds. The soft texture of the bread complements the chewy raisins, creating a satisfying contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Packed with Nutrients: While it’s certainly a treat, raisin bread also offers some nutritional benefits. Raisins are full of fiber, antioxidants, and important minerals like iron and potassium, making this bread not just delicious, but also a bit healthier.
Ingredients for Raisin Bread Recipe
Making raisin bread at home requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need
All-purpose flour – I highly recommend using all-purpose flour for the raisin bread. This flour helps achieve the perfect texture and structure for the bread. Avoid using cake flour or bread flour, as they will alter the texture of the final loaf.
Active dry yeast – The yeast in raisin bread is essential for giving the bread its rise and airy texture. Be sure to use fresh, active dry yeast, and make sure it’s activated properly in warm water before mixing.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the raisin bread, complementing the sweetness of the raisins. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference for spice.
Unsalted butter – Unsalted butter gives raisin bread a rich, tender crumb. If you need to substitute, you can use salted butter but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt by half.
Milk – Lukewarm milk helps in activating the yeast and provides moisture to the dough. It’s important to use lukewarm milk (not hot) to avoid killing the yeast.
Raisins – Raisins are the star ingredient in raisin bread, adding natural sweetness and chewiness. Make sure to soak the raisins before adding them to the dough to prevent them from drying out during baking.
How to Make Raisin Bread
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making raisin bread. It’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Activate the Yeast
Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It should become frothy. If it doesn’t, the yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the activated yeast mixture, lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg to the flour mixture. Stir until everything comes together into a dough.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
Add the Raisins
Flatten the dough and sprinkle the raisins over the top. Gently fold the raisins into the dough, kneading them in until they are evenly distributed.
Let It Rise
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm place. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch the dough down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased bread pan. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. You can enjoy it as is or toast it with butter for an extra treat.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect raisin bread every time:
For Extra Softness: Adding a tablespoon of honey to the dough will give it a sweeter, softer texture.
Prevent Dry Raisins: Soaking your raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough helps keep them plump and juicy.
Perfect Rising: If your dough isn’t rising well, try placing it in a warm, draft-free area. If you’re in a cooler environment, you can turn on your oven for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
Storage: Once your raisin bread is completely cool, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for several days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Variations
Raisin bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun variations to try:
Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Increase the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons for a more pronounced spice flavor.
Vegan Raisin Bread: Swap out the butter for olive oil and the milk for almond milk. You can also use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Gluten-Free Raisin Bread: Use a gluten-free flour blend and check your yeast for any gluten content.
Nutty Raisin Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
Serving Raisin Bread
Raisin bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways:
For Breakfast: Toasted with a smear of butter or cream cheese, raisin bread makes the perfect start to your day.
As a Snack: Pair a slice with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting mid-afternoon snack.
In Desserts: Turn your raisin bread into a delicious bread pudding or use it as a topping for ice cream.
More Bread recipes you will love!
cinnamon raisin sourdough bread
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about raisin bread:
What is raisin bread made of?
Raisin bread is made from flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, butter, milk, egg, and raisins. It’s a soft, spiced bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Can I use other fruits instead of raisins in raisin bread?
Absolutely! You can swap raisins for dried cranberries, currants, or apricots for a different flavor profile.
How long does raisin bread stay fresh?
Raisin bread stays fresh for about 4-5 days when stored properly in a sealed container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make raisin bread without yeast?
While traditional raisin bread uses yeast for rising, you can try baking soda or baking powder as a substitute. Keep in mind that the texture will be different.
How can I make raisin bread more flavorful?
Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to the dough for a spiced flavor. You can also add orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Raisin Bread
Equipment
- Bread Pan
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Melted butter
- 1 cup Lukewarm milk
- 1 Egg
- 1 ½ cups Raisins
- ½ cup Lukewarm water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the activated yeast mixture, lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Flatten the dough and sprinkle raisins over the top. Knead to incorporate them evenly into the dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased bread pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy as is or toasted with butter.