Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread
A soft, sweet cinnamon raisin swirl bread with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or snacking, appealing to bread lovers and those craving a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease two medium (8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch) loaf pans.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon; set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat 1 1/4 cups milk and 1/4 cup butter until warm and butter melts.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and dry yeast.
- Add the warm milk mixture and 2 eggs to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, then roll it up tightly.
- Slice the rolled dough and place into prepared loaf pans.
- Allow the dough to rise again until nearly doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 30-35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or a mix of milk and cream. If you prefer a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk can be substituted. To enhance the dough's texture, add a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising, and remember, the dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. For a fun twist, try it with a smear of apple butter or alongside your favorite jam. It also makes a wonderful base for French toast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and toast in a toaster or warm in the oven until heated through, maintaining its delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread contains roughly 1305 calories, with 20g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2499mg per serving (109% 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 start with a mix of 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose to maintain texture. Whole wheat absorbs more liquid, so you may need to adjust the milk slightly to ensure the dough is not too dry.
How can I make this bread sweeter?
To increase sweetness, add an additional tablespoon of sugar to the dough or cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top after baking for an extra sweet touch.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch, and you can mix in dried cranberries or chopped apples for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content to keep the dough balanced.
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).