Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Warm, fragrant cinnamon raisin bread with tender raisins and a soft, chewy crumb. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this bread combines the sweetness of raisins with the warm spice of cinnamon, appealing to bread lovers and those seeking comforting homemade baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water and let it activate.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Stir in the activated yeast mixture.
- Beat in 1 1/2 cups of flour to form a dough.
- Add raisins to the dough.
- Stir in the remaining flour; knead the dough on a floured surface until it no longer sticks.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning to grease all sides.
- Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped dough in a greased bread pan.
- Cover and let it rise for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or using brown sugar instead of white. If you don’t have raisins, dried cranberries or chopped nuts can be excellent substitutes. Ensure the water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Kneading thoroughly develops gluten, giving the bread a delightful texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon raisin bread is delicious on its own or toasted with a pat of butter. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, try serving it with cream cheese or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It can also be transformed into French toast for a delightful breakfast option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon raisin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Raisin Bread contains roughly 952 calories, with 10g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 904mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a balanced result. Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or too cold of an environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm (about 110°F). Try placing the dough in a warmer area, like an oven with the light on, or near a heater. If all else fails, you can start over with fresh yeast.
How can I add more flavor to my cinnamon raisin bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using flavored extracts like almond or orange. You could also incorporate a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for added texture. For a sweeter twist, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top before baking, creating a delightful glaze during the baking process.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).