The best Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread Recipe

This homemade cinnamon swirl raisin bread is soft, flavorful, and brimming with sweet cinnamon goodness. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this recipe combines tender dough with a delightful swirl of cinnamon and juicy raisins. With a beautiful golden crust and a soft, airy crumb, it’s versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or toasted with butter. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, this recipe will walk you through creating this bakery-style bread at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This cinnamon swirl raisin bread is the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making it irresistible for bread lovers. The warm cinnamon swirl combined with sweet raisins creates an indulgent yet wholesome treat. Not only is it delicious fresh out of the oven, but it also makes the best toast! The recipe is versatile and easy to follow, making it accessible for beginners. As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible, warm cinnamon fragrance that invites everyone in. It’s a great addition to your breakfast or snack routine, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• Optional substitutions: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a healthier version. Substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, then pour in the warm milk mixture to bring it all together. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, and mix until the dough begins to form.
2. Knead the dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until it’s soft, stretchy, and smooth. Add more flour if needed.
3. Add the raisins: Flatten the dough and sprinkle the raisins on top. Knead the raisins into the dough for even distribution.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, around 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar.
6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Brush the surface with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
7. Roll and form the loaf: Starting from the shorter side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal, then place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
8. Second rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with milk, then bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
10. Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and brush the top with melted butter. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Recipe Details:

• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Nutritional Information (Per Slice):

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 5g

Health Benefits:

Cinnamon swirl raisin bread offers a delightful combination of flavors with some nutritional benefits. Raisins offer a lift of fiber, iron, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health while preserving electricity levels high. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate blood sugar levels. You can also make this recipe healthier by using whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. Although it’s a sweet treat, the recipe uses moderate amounts of sugar, making it a balanced choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Related Recipes:

• Best Classic Banana Bread Recipe
• Banana Bread Recipe without Eggs
• Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe
• Sourdough Discard Recipes
• Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake

The best Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread Recipe

Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: internediate

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup raisins

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)

• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

• Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, then pour in the warm milk mixture to bring it all together. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, and mix until the dough begins to form.
• Knead the dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until it’s soft, stretchy, and smooth. Add more flour if needed.
• Add the raisins: Flatten the dough and sprinkle the raisins on top. Knead the raisins into the dough for even distribution.
• Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, around 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar.
• Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Brush the surface
• Roll and form the loaf: Starting from the shorter side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal, then place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
• Second rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with milk, then bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
• Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and brush the top with melted butter. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

• If the bread browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
• You can add a touch of vanilla extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs:

1. Can I make this bread without raisins? Yes! You can simply omit the raisins, or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.

2. Can I freeze the cinnamon swirl raisin bread? Absolutely. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

3. How do I understand when the bread is completely baked? The top should be golden brown, and the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C). You can check with a food thermometer.

Cooking Tips:

1. Warm the milk properly: Ensure the milk is at the right temperature (110°F/43°C) for the yeast to activate. Too hot, and the yeast will die; too cold, and it won’t rise properly.
2. Even cinnamon distribution: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough to ensure a consistent swirl.
3. Check for air bubbles: After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles for a uniform crumb structure.
4. Keep an eye at the bake time: Oven temperatures can range. Start checking the bread at the 30-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
5. Brush with butter after baking: This step keeps the crust soft and adds extra flavor.

Conclusion:

This cinnamon swirl raisin bread is a delicious, home-baked treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The comforting flavors of cinnamon and raisins make this bread both nostalgic and satisfying, and the recipe’s flexibility allows for customization to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great project for anyone who enjoys baking and wants to elevate their homemade bread game.