Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread offers a delightful combination of soft, fluffy bread infused with warm cinnamon and sweet raisins. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, its aromatic swirl and golden crust make it a comforting treat suited for family gatherings or weekend baking projects.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix 3 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, salt, and dry yeast in a large bowl.
- Heat 2 cups of water and 1/4 cup of oil until very warm (120°F to 130°F); stir into the flour mixture.
- Stir in 2 eggs.
- Beat until smooth. Mix in enough remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently roll in flour to coat. Knead 8 to 10 times until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl; turn the greased side up.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Grease 2 loaf pans (9 x 5 x 3 inches).
- Punch down the dough and divide in half.
- Knead 1/2 cup of raisins into each half.
- Roll out each half into an 18 x 9-inch rectangle; brush 1 tablespoon of oil over each.
- Mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and sprinkle half of the mixture over each rectangle.
- Roll up each rectangle starting at the 9-inch side, pinching the edge to seal.
- Press ends with the edge of your hand to seal, then fold ends under the loaf.
- Place the loaves seam side down in the prepared pans.
- Brush the loaves with oil. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Move oven rack to the lowest position. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until deep golden brown or sounding hollow when tapped.
- Remove from pans to a wire rack to cool. Brush with butter before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar in the filling. For a twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Make sure your water is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. When kneading, ensure the dough is smooth and elastic for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this delicious bread warm, optionally spread with butter or cream cheese for enhanced flavor. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or snack. For a delightful dessert, try it with a drizzle of Buttery Sherry Bundt Cake or a scoop of ice cream alongside. Consider serving it with a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, store the cinnamon swirl raisin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread contains roughly 5124 calories, with 51g protein, 353g carbohydrates, and 396g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (103% of the Daily Value), iron (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 for part of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and density of the bread. Start with 1-2 cups of whole wheat and use all-purpose for the rest to maintain a lighter loaf.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or insufficient warmth. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer area, like near a stove or in a turned-off oven with a warm bowl of water to create a cozy environment.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apples, or add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture. Just be cautious with the moisture content – too many wet ingredients can affect the dough's consistency.
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).