If you have a soft spot for breads that bring a warm, cozy feeling to your breakfast table, this Easy Raisin Bread Recipe Perfect Breakfast Treat Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a tender, lightly sweetened loaf bursting with juicy raisins and the inviting aroma of cinnamon, all topped with a golden crust that’s just begging to be slathered with butter. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet yields a bread so comforting and delicious that every bite feels like a special morning hug. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe blends classic ingredients with straightforward steps that produce that flawless raisin bread you’ve always wanted to master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in making the bread irresistibly soft and flavorful. From the basic flour providing structure to the cinnamon adding a warm twist, these ingredients are simple, everyday pantry staples that transform into something magical.
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, offering the perfect texture when kneaded right.
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the raisins and cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant or active dry yeast: Gives the bread that lovely rise and fluffy crumb.
- 1 tsp fine salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite taste more vibrant.
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (105–110°F/40–43°C): Provides moisture and richness; warm temperature helps activate the yeast.
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds tenderness and a subtle buttery flavor throughout the loaf.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the dough and contributes to a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups (150–190 g) raisins (regular or golden): Bursts of natural sweetness that make every slice a joy.
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: The warm spice that perfectly complements the raisins.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but lovely): Adds a fragrant depth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 tbsp neutral oil or soft butter: Used for greasing and ensuring your bread doesn’t stick.
- 1 tbsp milk or melted butter: For brushing the top to achieve that inviting golden crust.
How to Make Easy Raisin Bread Recipe Perfect Breakfast Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Raisins
If your raisins feel on the dry side, soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes is a game changer. This simple trick plumps them up, ensuring they stay juicy and tender inside the bread instead of shriveling up during baking. After soaking, just drain them well and pat dry before adding to the dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon. This step evenly distributes all those essential dry ingredients, laying the foundation for a perfectly balanced dough.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Stir the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Use a spoon to combine everything until a shaggy dough forms, meaning most of the flour should be absorbed but the dough still looks a little rough. This consistency is key to kneading the bread properly.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Knead it for 7 to 9 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If it’s sticking too much, dust just a bit of flour—remember, adding too much flour can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Fold in the Raisins
Flatten the dough gently, sprinkle your raisins evenly over the surface, then fold or roll the dough to distribute them nicely. Give a few gentle kneads just until the raisins are tucked in without breaking them.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—usually about 60 to 90 minutes. This rise gives your bread that lovely light texture.
Step 7: Shape the Loaf
After punching down the dough to release excess air, shape it into a rectangle roughly 8 by 12 inches. Roll it tightly from the short side, pinch the seam closed, and tuck the ends underneath so it fits perfectly inside your loaf pan.
Step 8: Pan and Second Rise
Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the dough seam-side down inside. Cover and let it rise again until the dough domes about an inch over the rim, which usually takes 35 to 50 minutes. This step ensures a beautiful fluffy, domed loaf.
Step 9: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Optionally, brush the top with milk or melted butter for a softer, shinier crust. Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) is reached to confirm it’s perfectly done.
Step 10: Cool Before Slicing
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling it at least 45 minutes keeps the crumb soft, moist, and easy to slice without crumbling.
How to Serve Easy Raisin Bread Recipe Perfect Breakfast Treat Recipe
Garnishes
This raisin bread shines best with simple garnishes that complement its warm flavors. A generous spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey highlights the bread’s natural sweetness and cozy cinnamon notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your slices with fresh fruit like apple slices or berries, or enjoy alongside a creamy yogurt parfait for a well-rounded breakfast. A cup of steaming coffee or spiced chai adds an indulgent touch to complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting the slices and topping them with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an irresistible twist. For a fun brunch option, turn thick slices into French toast, taking that Easy Raisin Bread Recipe Perfect Breakfast Treat Recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your bread has fully cooled, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container keeps it fresh for up to three days at room temperature. This way, the bread stays soft and ready to enjoy whenever you want.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Slice it first, then place parchment paper between the slices and store in a freezer-safe bag. When zipped up tight, it will keep for up to three months without losing that lovely texture.
Reheating
To revive frozen bread, toast slices straight from the freezer or warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. A quick brush of butter after reheating brings back that fresh-baked feel instantly.
FAQs
Can I use regular dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using active dry yeast, just dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy before adding the other ingredients. The bread will rise beautifully either way.
What can I substitute for raisins if I don’t have any?
Feel free to swap raisins with dried currants, chopped dried apricots, or even craisins. Just soak them briefly if they’re extra dry to maintain that soft, juicy texture inside the bread.
How important is the temperature of the milk?
Milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast, and milk that’s too cold won’t activate it properly. Aim for a warm temperature around 105–110°F (40–43°C), which feels comfortably warm to the touch, like a warm bath.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Definitely! You can swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk and replace butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The bread will still come out soft and delicious.
Why should I wait before slicing the bread?
Allowing the bread to cool completely lets the crumb set and prevents it from becoming gummy or squished when sliced. Patience here results in cleaner slices and a much better texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about baking homemade raisin bread, especially when it’s as straightforward and rewarding as this Easy Raisin Bread Recipe Perfect Breakfast Treat Recipe. It fills your home with irresistible aromas and your mornings with comforting, delicious goodness in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy bread as much as I do — it’s a wonderful way to start the day on a sweet and lovely note!
Print
Easy Raisin Bread Recipe Perfect Breakfast Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Raisin Bread recipe is a perfect breakfast treat featuring a soft, cozy texture and a simple preparation method. Infused with warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and a tender crumb, this homemade bread is ideal for morning toast or a comforting snack throughout the day.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast or active dry yeast
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 105–110°F/40–43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but lovely)
Add-ins and Finishing
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups (150–190 g) raisins (regular or golden)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil or soft butter for greasing the bowl and pan
- 1 tbsp milk or melted butter for brushing the top (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Raisins: Soak dry raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry to ensure the bread is studded with plump, soft fruit.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon until fully combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir warm milk, melted butter, egg, and optional vanilla extract into the dry mixture until a shaggy dough forms and most flour is absorbed.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 7–9 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a small amount of flour if it sticks.
- Fold in the Raisins: Flatten dough gently, sprinkle raisins evenly, then fold or roll to incorporate them evenly, kneading lightly just to tuck raisins in.
- First Rise: Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 60–90 minutes.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough, pat into an 8×12-inch rectangle, roll up tightly from the short side, pinch seam, and tuck ends under to form the loaf.
- Pan and Second Rise: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, place dough seam-side down, cover, and let rise until it domes 1 inch above the rim, about 35–50 minutes.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with milk or melted butter for a softer crust if desired. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool at least 45 minutes before slicing for best texture.
Notes
- Soaking the raisins helps keep them plump and prevents dryness in the bread.
- Use warm milk, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading develops gluten which creates a soft, elastic texture.
- Make sure the dough rises properly in both rises to ensure a light crumb.
- Letting the bread cool before slicing sets the crumb and prevents squishing.
- You can substitute golden raisins for regular raisins according to preference.
- Brush with milk or melted butter to enhance the crust’s softness and color.
