Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.

Raisins: Adds sweetness and a chewy texture to the bread.

Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with a warm, spicy flavor.

Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.

Active dry yeast: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.

Melted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.

When incorporating raisins into the dough, ensure they are evenly distributed by folding them in gradually during the kneading process. This prevents clumping and ensures every slice of your cinnamon raisin bread has a balanced amount of raisins. Additionally, soaking the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dough can make them plumper and more flavorful.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content of the bread.

• raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a similar chewy texture and a slightly tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• warm milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that maintains the moisture and richness of the bread.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients and does not need to be activated in warm liquid first.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a slightly different mineral content and can enhance the overall flavor of the bread.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, along with a hint of floral flavor.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and maintains the bread's moisture.

• Allow the cinnamon raisin bread to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. For an extra layer of protection, place the wrapped loaf in a resealable plastic bag.
• Store the wrapped bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing.
• For freezing, slice the bread before wrapping. This allows you to take out only the slices you need without thawing the entire loaf.
• Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. This prevents the slices from sticking together.
• Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw individual slices at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer for a quick and delicious treat.
• For an added touch, spread some butter or cream cheese on the warm slices to enhance the flavors of the cinnamon and raisins.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cinnamon raisin bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method ensures the bread remains moist and the raisins stay plump.

• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place a slice of cinnamon raisin bread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can make the bread chewy.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster. Slice the cinnamon raisin bread and toast it on a medium setting. This method brings out the cinnamon flavor and gives the raisins a delightful chewiness.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter both sides of the cinnamon raisin bread slices. Place them in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and warm. This adds a delicious buttery crust to the bread.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cinnamon raisin bread on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes until warm. This method combines the benefits of both the oven and toaster, giving you a warm and slightly crispy slice.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the ingredients and mix the dough.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, milk, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring smaller quantities like yeast, salt, and cinnamon.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients together before kneading.

• Dough scraper: Helps in kneading the dough and scraping it off the work surface.

• Kneading surface: A clean, flat surface where you can knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Greased bowl: A bowl coated with a thin layer of oil or butter to prevent the dough from sticking while it rises.

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises to keep it from drying out.

• Loaf pan: A greased pan where the dough is placed to bake into a loaf shape.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the bread.

• Cooling rack: A rack where the bread can cool evenly after baking.

• Knife: Used for slicing the bread once it has cooled.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can knead the dough for you, freeing up your hands for other tasks.

Soak raisins: Soak raisins in warm water while preparing other ingredients to ensure they are plump and ready to use.

Warm the milk quickly: Use a microwave to warm the milk to the right temperature in seconds.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while the dough is rising to save time later.