Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe : Every weekend, my kitchen fills with the scent of homemade cinnamon raisin bread. The cinnamon swirls, the soft crumb, and the raisins make it special. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a trip back to childhood and the joy of baking.
Making the perfect cinnamon raisin bread might seem hard, but it’s not. With the right steps and patience, you’ll make a loaf that’s as good as any bakery. This recipe is for both experienced bakers and those just starting out. It will help you make a bread that everyone will love.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade cinnamon raisin bread offers unparalleled flavor and freshness
- Total preparation time is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes
- The recipe yields 12 delicious slices
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with loved ones
- Requires basic baking ingredients and simple techniques
What Makes This Cinnamon Raisin Bread Special
Making the perfect cinnamon swirl bread is an art. It needs precision, technique, and the right ingredients. This brioche-style bread is special. It goes from a simple breakfast treat to a culinary masterpiece.
Perfect Swirl Without Gaps
The best cinnamon swirl bread has a smooth, even swirl. Our recipe fixes the common issue of gaps or uneven filling. With the right rolling techniques and measurements, you get a stunning swirl in every slice.
- Roll dough to exact 24-26 inch length
- Spread filling evenly with minimal pressure
- Use gentle rolling technique to prevent air pockets
Rich Brioche-Style Texture
Even with only 5 tablespoons of butter, this bread is incredibly rich and tender. Whole milk adds to its luxurious texture, making it like traditional brioche.
Balanced Sweetness and Spice
The secret to great cinnamon swirl bread is its balanced flavors. We’ve mixed brown sugar’s sweetness with just the right amount of cinnamon. This ensures each bite is perfectly warm and sweet.
« A great cinnamon swirl bread is about creating harmony between spice, sweetness, and texture. » – Artisan Baker’s Wisdom
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe : Essential Ingredients and Substitutions
Making the perfect cinnamon raisin bread starts with knowing your ingredients. Each part is key to the bread’s taste and texture.
Substitutions in your bread recipe can make it fit your diet or taste. Let’s look at the main ingredients and alternatives for a tasty loaf.
| Ingredient | Standard Option | Possible Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | Bread Flour | All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour |
| Milk | Whole Milk | Almond milk, soy milk, water |
| Sweetener | Granulated Sugar | Honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar |
| Raisins | Regular Raisins | Cranberries, chopped dates, dried cherries |
Pro tip: When substituting ingredients, keep the amounts the same. This helps keep the bread’s texture and moisture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results
- Measure ingredients precisely
- Consider the moisture content when making substitutions
« The right ingredients can turn a good bread into an extraordinary experience. » – Artisan Baker
Your choice of ingredients greatly affects the bread. While you can substitute some, others are crucial for that perfect, soft, and flavorful loaf.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe : Essential Equipment for Baking
To make the perfect cinnamon raisin bread, you need special bread baking equipment. The right tools make baking easier and more fun.
Recommended Loaf Pan Size
A 9″x5″ loaf pan is best for this recipe. It helps your loaf bake evenly and look great. Choosing the right pan size is key for good bread.
| Loaf Pan Type | Best Use | Recommended for Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| 9″x5″ Metal Pan | Standard bread recipes | Highly Recommended |
| 8.5″x4.5″ Glass Pan | Smaller, denser loaves | Alternative Option |
| Dutch Oven | Artisan-style breads | Optional Enhancement |
Mixing Tools and Accessories
For making cinnamon raisin bread, you’ll need:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Kitchen scale for precise measurements
Optional But Helpful Items
These extras can make baking even better:
- Proofing basket
- Bench scraper
- Digital thermometer
- Silicone baking mat
Pro tip: Invest in quality equipment for consistent, delicious results every time.
Having the right tools can turn your home baking into something amazing. The equipment you choose affects your bread’s texture, rise, and quality.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe : The Secret to Perfect Dough Preparation
Mastering bread dough preparation is all about precision and kneading techniques. Your cinnamon raisin bread journey starts with making a soft, elastic dough. This dough will turn into a delicious loaf.
Starting with the right ingredients is crucial. Use bread flour with 9-11% protein for a soft yet chewy texture. You:r instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons) will help the dough rise well.
« The art of bread making is in the details of dough preparation »
Key Kneading Techniques
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes
- Develop gluten by stretching and folding repeatedly
- Aim for a smooth, elastic consistency
- Incorporate raisins after initial dough development
When adding raisins, gently fold in ⅔ cup (66 grams) to avoid tearing. Kneading is key for structure and even ingredient distribution.
Proofing Parameters
Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. The first rise should last 60-90 minutes, making the dough double in size. Patience here ensures a light, airy bread with perfect texture.
Remember, keep the temperature steady and handle the dough gently. This will help create a beautiful cinnamon raisin bread that will impress your taste buds.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
Making the perfect cinnamon raisin bread is all about precision and passion. With simple pantry items, you can create a treat that warms your kitchen and fills it with amazing smells.
Base Dough Ingredients
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1½ cups lukewarm milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 5-6 cups all-purpose flour
Filling Components
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ cups raisins
Detailed Baking Instructions
Start your cinnamon raisin bread by activating yeast in warm milk. Then, mix in the rest of the dough ingredients. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which takes about 10 minutes.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours. It should double in size. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, and add raisins.
| Baking Stage | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Baking | 400°F | 15 minutes |
| Final Baking | 350°F | 20-25 minutes |
The bread is done when it’s 200°F inside and has a golden crust. Pro tip: Cool the bread completely before slicing for the best texture.
« Baking is love made visible » – Unknown
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe : Mastering the Swirl Technique
Creating the perfect cinnamon swirl technique takes precision and practice. The look and taste of your bread depend on mastering the bread swirling method. It’s important to roll out the dough evenly and spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture carefully.
- Roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about 8×20 inches
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, leaving a small border
- Roll the dough tightly, making sure to avoid air pockets
- Pinch the seam to seal the roll completely
« A tight roll ensures a beautiful, consistent swirl throughout the loaf. » – Baking Expert
The cinnamon swirl technique avoids using butter in the filling. This helps prevent gaps and makes the bread look better.
| Technique Aspect | Key Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dough Thickness | Roll to 1/4 inch thick for optimal swirling |
| Filling Spread | Use 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon |
| Rolling Pressure | Moderate, consistent pressure |
Pro tip: Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before rolling. This makes handling easier and helps achieve cleaner swirls.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe : Proofing and Rising Tips
Mastering bread proofing tips is key to making a delicious cinnamon raisin bread. Good dough rising techniques can take your baking from good to great. Knowing how fermentation works will help you get that soft, fluffy texture every baker wants.
The rising process has two important stages that need careful attention and the right conditions. Your dough’s success depends on temperature, humidity, and timing.
First Rise Guidelines
The first rise, or bulk fermentation, is when your dough changes a lot. Here are some bread proofing tips for this stage:
- Keep the temperature at 78°F for the best fermentation
- Let it rise for about 2.5 hours
- Do 3-4 stretch and fold techniques in 2 hours
- Watch for puffiness and a jiggly feel
Second Rise Indicators
The second rise is also very important for your bread’s structure and taste. Rising techniques for this stage need patience and watching closely.
| Rising Stage | Key Indicators | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Second Rise | Dough rises just over pan’s edge | 2-4 hours |
| Cold Fermentation | Enhanced flavor development | 18-24 hours |
« Patience is the secret ingredient in perfect bread rising. » – Professional Baker
Your dough should feel light, airy, and have grown a lot. Pro tip: A warm, draft-free place helps rising without losing texture.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe : Baking Instructions and Temperature Guide
Making the perfect cinnamon raisin bread needs careful attention to temperature and time. The moment of truth comes when you bake the dough into a golden, fragrant loaf.
Here are the key temperature and timing tips for baking your cinnamon raisin bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Prepare a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
- Place the shaped loaf in the center of the oven
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes
« The key to perfect bread is consistent temperature and patient baking. »
Look for these signs while baking:
- The top should turn a rich, golden-brown color
- The crust should sound hollow when tapped
- Internal bread temperature should reach 190°F
| Baking Stage | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Preheating | 375°F | 15 minutes |
| Initial Baking | 375°F | 25 minutes |
| Final Baking | 375°F | 20 minutes |
Pro tip: If the bread browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring the interior bakes completely.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Your freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread needs special care. This helps keep its delicious texture and taste. Knowing how to store bread can make your homemade treat last longer.
Proper Storage Methods
To keep your cinnamon raisin bread fresh, use the right storage methods. Here are some tips to keep it soft and tender:
- Room temperature storage: Keep bread in a sealed plastic bag for up to 5 days
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months
Creative Serving Ideas
Serving cinnamon raisin bread can be more than just slicing it. Try these fun ways to serve it:
- Toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese
- Create decadent French toast with egg mixture
- Use as a base for bread pudding
- Craft gourmet breakfast sandwiches
- Make savory bread croutons for salads
« A slice of cinnamon raisin bread is like a warm hug for your taste buds. » – Baking Enthusiast
Each serving has about 214 calories. It’s a tasty treat that can fit into many diets. Try different ways to serve it and find your favorite.
Conclusion
Making your own cinnamon raisin bread is a special treat for your kitchen. It’s rewarding to turn simple ingredients into a delicious loaf. Your kitchen will smell amazing, unlike store-bought bread.
Enjoying cinnamon raisin bread is more than just eating it. It’s about the pride of making it yourself. Whether you’re new to baking or experienced, this recipe is a great start. You’ll learn new skills and feel more confident in the kitchen.
Bread baking is all about creativity. Try new things like different spices or mix-ins. Your special touches make each loaf unique. Share your bread with loved ones and show off your baking skills.
Now, it’s time to start baking. Preheat your oven and get your ingredients ready. Your homemade cinnamon raisin bread is waiting for you!
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