Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Name: Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups warm water (95-105°F); 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons salt; 5½ to 5¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup raisins; ¼ cup light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1½ tablespoons cinnamon; 1 large egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

By:

Thomas

Published:

September 28, 2025

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Cinnamon Raisin Bread has a way of capturing the hearts and palates of many, and I can absolutely see why. Imagine waking up to the smell of warm, sweet bread wafting through your home. It’s the kind of comfort that makes the world feel just a little cozier. Plus, making your own bread is such a rewarding process! You mix, knead, and watch as two simple ingredients turn into something truly special. It’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you will find yourself making it over and over again. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of baking some delightful Cinnamon Raisin Bread together!

Why This Recipe Works

The secret sauce to this recipe’s success starts with warm water and sugar. When you mix those together with yeast, it activates beautifully, creating a lovely froth that guarantees a good rise in your bread. This means you won’t end up with dense or flat loaves, which is always a win!

Let’s not forget the taste. The combination of raisins and cinnamon sugar weaves a sweet, delicious flavor throughout the bread. Each bite offers a comforting reminder of home. As you mix, roll, and shape the dough, you’ll find that the process enhances the texture and creates the beautiful swirls that make this bread so visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Raisin Bread

You’re really going to adore this bread. First off, it’s incredibly soft and fluffy, just the way bread should be! Whether you slather it with butter for breakfast or grab a slice as a snack, it hits the spot every time.

And let me tell you, the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home? It creates an ambiance that simply can’t be beaten. You might find yourself daydreaming about this Cinnamon Raisin Bread long before it’s even out of the oven.

Plus, the balance between sweetness and spice in this recipe makes it something everyone, young and old, can appreciate. You can’t go wrong with a comforting slice!

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups warm water (95-105°F)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 large egg
2 teaspoons salt
5½ to 5¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup raisins
¼ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1½ tablespoons cinnamon
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

Making the Bread Dough

Let’s get our hands a little floury! First, grease two 8.5” x 4.5” bread pans with butter. This will help your bread slide right out when it’s done baking.

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes until you see that lovely froth forming on top—this means the yeast is ready to go. It’s a sign of life!

Once it looks frothy, it’s time to add in the avocado oil, salt, the first egg, and half of the flour. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until well combined.

Gradually add the remaining flour one cup at a time. Mix until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. This step is fun; you’ll see how it transforms right before your eyes!

Next, add in the raisins and knead on medium speed for about three minutes. What you want is a smooth and elastic dough, so keep an eye on it. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take around 30-45 minutes.

Shaping and Filling the Dough

After your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to divide it into two equal pieces. Sprinkle a little flour on your counter and roll each piece into an 8″x12″ rectangle.

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture is pure magic! Spread half of it over each rectangle.

Now comes the fun part: starting from the shorter edge, tightly roll each piece of dough up. Pinch the seams to seal it and tuck the ends underneath. Place them seam-side down in your greased pans to get ready for their next rise.

For the egg wash, whisk together the egg and water, and brush it evenly over the loaves. This will give them that glorious golden color. Let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up nicely.

Baking the Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F because you’ll soon be rewarding yourself with fresh baked bread! Once the dough has risen again, pop the loaves in the oven and bake for 28-30 minutes until they’re golden brown.

To know when it’s done, check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should read 195°F in the center.

After that delicious aroma fills the air, pull them out and brush the tops with melted butter. This extra touch adds so much flavor! Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Then comes the best part—slice and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Cinnamon Raisin Bread is baked, how should you enjoy it?

Serve it warm, slathered in butter or cream cheese, for a delightful breakfast.
Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
You could also make scrumptious French toast or even bread pudding using this bread. The options are endless!

Tips for Success

To ensure that your Cinnamon Raisin Bread turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

First off, check that the water temperature is just right; too hot could kill the yeast.
Take your time with the rising process; let the dough double in size for optimal results.
Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid any overbaking mishaps.

Variations

Feel like doing something a little different? Here are some fun variations for your Cinnamon Raisin Bread:

Add in chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
Experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for new flavors.
For a slightly healthier twist, you could substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Storage Tips

Wondering how to store your delicious bread? Here are some simple storage tips:

Keep your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If you want it to last longer, slice it up and freeze the pieces. Simply toast from the freezer when you’re ready to eat!

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Definitely! You can substitute instant yeast, and there’s no need to proof it in water.

2. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center; it should read 195°F.

3. Can I omit the raisins?
Of course! Feel free to leave them out or replace them with another fruit or nut.

4. How do I prevent the bread from being dense?
Make sure to measure your flour correctly, and don’t rush that rising time.

5. Is this recipe adaptable for other flavors?
Absolutely! Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for something new.

Bake this indulgent Cinnamon Raisin Bread, and I promise you will savor each moment. It isn’t just bread; it’s a warm hug in a slice. Enjoy the delightful experience of creating and sharing this treat with loved ones!