Heavenly Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe You’ll Love Baking

There’s something truly comforting about homemade bread, especially when it’s infused with warm cinnamon and studded with juicy raisins. This heavenly cinnamon raisin bread is a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your heart with nostalgia. Whether you’re enjoying it toasted for breakfast or as a sweet snack, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

this Recipe

Making cinnamon raisin bread from scratch might sound intimidating, but I promise it’s easier than you think. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a soft, moist loaf filled with swirls of cinnamon and bursts of sweetness from the raisins. Let me guide you through every step to ensure you get perfect results every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, tender crumb with a perfectly golden crust
• Rich cinnamon flavor balanced by natural raisin sweetness
• Simple ingredients you probably have on hand
• Great for breakfast, snacks, or even French toast
• Easy to customize with nuts or glaze if desired

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the most delicious cinnamon raisin bread from scratch.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups raisins
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon swirl)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time)
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: Approximately 190 per slice

How to Make Heavenly Cinnamon Raisin Bread: The Ultimate Homemade Delight!

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm milk. Let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy and activated.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate 1 cup raisins into the dough evenly during the last minutes of kneading.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a warm cloth, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
5. While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create your cinnamon swirl.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
7. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the remaining raisins on top. Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a loaf shape.
8. Place the rolled loaf seam-side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Use fresh yeast for the best rise and flavor; check expiration dates.
• For extra moisture, soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes then drain before mixing into dough.
• Don’t skip the second rise for a light, fluffy texture.
• Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the bread cleanly without squashing the loaf.

Storage and Reheating

Store your cinnamon raisin bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, toast individual slices or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil. This will refresh the bread’s softness and enhance the cinnamon aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute dried cranberries for raisins?

Yes! Dried cranberries or even chopped dried cherries will add a nice tart contrast to the cinnamon. Just use the same quantity and soak them if you want extra plumpness.

Is it possible to make this bread vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat, replace egg with a flax egg, and use vegan butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I add nuts to the cinnamon raisin bread?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a tasty addition. Add about 1/2 cup to the dough along with the raisins for a satisfying crunch.

How long does the bread keep fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for up to 3 days. After that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended to maintain quality and prevent staleness.