Introduction
Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a delicious treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with sweet, plump raisins. This bread brings a delightful aroma to your kitchen as it bakes, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast or snack time. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little butter, this cinnamon raisin bread will become a family favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
This Cinnamon Raisin Bread recipe is a great way to enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or a midday snack. The combination of sweet cinnamon and raisins creates a comforting flavor profile that many love. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier option compared to store-bought bread.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Making Cinnamon Raisin Bread is easy and fun! The process starts with activating the yeast and combining it with simple ingredients. After allowing the dough to rise, it is shaped and baked in a Dutch oven, resulting in a crusty outside and soft inside. This hands-on approach not only fills your home with irresistible scents but also gives you the satisfaction of creating something lovely from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Directions
- Begin by adding the yeast to the warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom. It should appear foamy when ready.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining dry ingredients, breaking up the raisins and ensuring they are well-coated with the flour mixture.
- After the yeast has bloomed, add it to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, which takes about 2-3 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F, placing your Dutch oven inside to heat.
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently fold the dough into itself a few times to create a smooth ball.
- Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and cover it with the bowl. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the bread (along with the parchment) inside. Slash the top of the dough with a sharp knife or bread lame tool.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the lid and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Once done, lift the bread out of the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
How to Serve Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Cinnamon Raisin Bread is best enjoyed fresh. You can serve it warm, simply sliced or toasted with a touch of butter or cream cheese. It pairs excellently with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a special treat, try adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top before serving.
How to Store Cinnamon Raisin Bread
To keep your Cinnamon Raisin Bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a piece whenever the craving hits!
Tips to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bread
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to ensure the yeast activates properly.
- If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can add a bit more cinnamon to the dough.
- Gently fold the dough to maintain its airy texture when shaping it into a ball.
- For a beautiful finish, add an egg wash before baking for a golden crust.
Can You Freeze Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Yes! You can freeze Cinnamon Raisin Bread. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and wrapping. Store it in an airtight bag or container in the freezer for up to three months. Each piece can be warmed in the toaster or oven when you are ready to enjoy it again.
How to Reheat Cinnamon Raisin Bread
To reheat Cinnamon Raisin Bread, you have a couple of options. For individual slices, pop them in the toaster until they are warm and crispy. If you’d like to reheat the whole loaf, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Variation
For a unique twist, consider adding chopped nuts or different dried fruits like cranberries instead of raisins. You can also experiment with different types of flour, like whole wheat, to add a nutritious touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there’s no need to bloom it in water first; just mix it in with your dry ingredients.
2. How can I make the bread sweeter?
To make the bread sweeter, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or even add a little honey or maple syrup to the dough.
3. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be that the yeast was not active. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and the water temperature is warm, not hot. You can also give the dough more time to rise in a warm, draft-free place.
There you have it — a simple and straightforward guide to making delicious Cinnamon Raisin Bread at home. Enjoy baking!
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1.5 cups warm water Ensure the water is warm, not hot.
- 1 tsp active dry yeast Can substitute with instant yeast.
- 3 cups bread flour Plus more for dusting.
- 3/4 cup golden raisins Ensure they are well-coated with flour mixture.
- 4 tbsp brown sugar Adjust for sweetness if desired.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon Add more for a stronger cinnamon flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the yeast to the warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom. It should appear foamy when ready.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining dry ingredients, breaking up the raisins and ensuring they are well-coated with the flour mixture.
- After the yeast has bloomed, add it to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, which takes about 2-3 hours.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 450°F, placing your Dutch oven inside to heat.
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently fold the dough into itself a few times to create a smooth ball.
- Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and cover it with the bowl. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the bread (along with the parchment) inside. Slash the top of the dough with a sharp knife or bread lame tool.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the lid and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Once done, lift the bread out of the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.