Early in the morning, there is no denying the wonderful scent of freshly made bread filling the house. When the bread is a beautiful cinnamon raisin loaf, the experience becomes much more nostalgic and sentimental. Bringing back happy memories of warm and sweet homemade breakfasts spent in the kitchen with loved ones, this meal is a valued part of many of our experiences.
Today, we will explore the art of making the perfect cinnamon raisin bread in order to pay tribute to the traditional recipes that have been passed down through the years. Regardless of your level of baking experience, this recipe will guide you through every step of creating your first loaf. We’ll also reveal some of Grandma’s baking secrets to ensure that your bread always comes out flawlessly.
Contents
Why Cinnamon Raisin Bread?
Bread with cinnamon and raisins has been a staple for a long time. It has other uses as well. The smooth chewiness of this bread makes it ideal for toasting, butter spreading, or eating on its own. A delightful flavor contrast is created by the sweet raisins and the toasted, aromatic cinnamon. Whether you’re making French toast, snacking on it, or eating it for breakfast, this bread is perfect.
The distinctive sensation of comfort and nostalgia evoked by cinnamon raisin bread sets it apart. Many associate the flavor of this bread with cozy winter mornings, family reunions, and Sunday breakfasts. The best and most satisfying way to get bread is to make it at home, even though you can buy it almost everywhere.
The History Behind Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Let us first review the background of this well-known bread before we start the recipe. Cinnamon has been seen as a rare and somewhat valuable spice for thousands of years. From food to fragrances, its very good taste and medicinal qualities were applied in everything. When cinnamon first arrived in Europe during the Middle Ages, baked products—especially bread—became rather popular right away.
Still, the use of raisins in baked goods goes really far back. Dried grapes were added into baked goods and food in several ancient civilizations, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian ones. Combining cinnamon with raisins most likely started in the Renaissance as Eastern spices grew more reasonably priced and readily available. Modern cinnamon raisin bread became rather popular as a breakfast or dessert option for those who preferred sweet, spiced bread in the eighteenth and nineteen century.
Knowing the background of cinnamon raisin bread will help us to begin with the recipe!
Grandma’s Traditional Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
required Ingredients:
For the dough:
2 large eggs, at room temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
For the cinnamon filling:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
For brushing:
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Raisins preparation
A 15-minute soak in warm milk or water before adding raisins to dough will keep them plump and juicy. Raisins can be rehydrated and baked without drying out. Rinse raisins and put them away.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix sugar and milk that is 110°F. Let the yeast rise and bubble for 5 to 10 minutes after adding it. Keeping the yeast active helps the dough rise.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Put the flour and salt in a big bowl. Whisk the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter in a another basin. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients after the liquid components. Stir until dough forms.
Evenly distribute the soaked and drained raisins throughout the dough. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead the dough on low speed for 8 to 10 minutes. Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic, on a lightly floured board.
Step 4: First Rise
Form the dough into a ball and put it in a basin that has been lightly oiled. Let the dough double in one to two hours in a warm, draft-free bowl covered with plastic wrap or a fresh kitchen towel.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Add the Cinnamon Filling
After rising, punch down the dough to remove air bubbles. Roll the dough into a 9-by-18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. In another bowl, mix together cinnamon and brown sugar. Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a thin edge. Evenly distribute the cinnamon and sugar over the butter.
Start rolling the dough into a tight log from the short end. Seal the dough by pinching its seams and ends.
Step 6: Second Rise
Put the dough in a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan that has been oiled, seam side down. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough rises just above the pan.
Step 7: Brush Egg Wash on Oven Preheat
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) as the dough rises a second time.
To make an egg wash, put one egg and one tablespoon of water in a small basin. Apply the egg wash to the loaf’s top once the dough has completed its second rise. When baked, this will give the bread a gorgeous golden-brown hue and a glossy sheen.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Heat the loaf in the oven before placing it in. The top should be golden brown and the bottom should sound hollow when pressed after baking it for 35 to 40 minutes. You can use aluminum foil to cover the top if it’s browning too quickly during the final 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
When the bread is done, remove it from the oven and brush it with melted butter to make it even softer and glossier. Let the bread cool in the pan for ten or more minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling.
.Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!
After cooling, bread slices can be eaten plain or toasted with butter. The combination of the rich cinnamon filling, the plump raisins, and the soft, sweet dough makes for the ideal breakfast or snack. For a cozier morning, sip it with a cup of tea or coffee.
Grandma’s Baking Secrets
Let’s share some of Grandma’s baking advice after you’ve mastered the traditional cinnamon raisin bread recipe to ensure that your bread always comes out delicious.
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
Grandma was always stressing the importance of baking using high-quality ingredients. Choose real butter, pure vanilla essence, and organic, fresh eggs. The flavor and texture of the bread will be greatly influenced by the quality of the ingredients.
2. Don’t Rush the Rise
It takes patience to make bread, particularly while allowing the dough to swell. Take your time with the second rising and allow the dough ample time to double in size during the first. Your bread will be lighter and fluffier the longer you let the dough rise.
3. Use Warm, Not Hot, Liquids
When activating the yeast, it’s important to use warm milk or water—around 110°F (43°C). If the liquid is excessively hot, the yeast will be killed and the dough will not rise. Because the yeast won’t activate if the bread is too cold, it will be thick.
4. Check for Doneness
One of the easiest ways to check if your bread is done is by giving it a gentle tap on the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready! You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature of the bread should be around 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
5. Store Properly
Even though bread is so wonderful that it may not last long, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap them securely in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Cinnamon raisin bread can be refrigerated for extended preservation or kept at room temperature for up to three days.
Delectable Sample Variations
Don’t be scared to experiment with some delectable variants after you’ve perfected the classic recipe. Consider the following ideas:
For texture and taste, include chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling of cinnamon swirl nut bread.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Bread: For a festive touch, substitute dried cranberries for the raisins and add a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough.
French toast with cinnamon raisins on it: For a truly distinctive French breakfast, make your own cinnamon raisin bread. For a rich breakfast, drizzle it with maple syrup and fresh berries.
A Priceless Recipe
Making bread is a labor of love and more than simply a culinary talent. In addition to enabling you to make breakfast, making this classic cinnamon raisin bread helps you make memories that will last for years. This dish is certain to offer warmth and joy to your house, whether you enjoy it with loved ones during a family get-together or on a calm morning with a cup of coffee.
Get your hands filthy, dust out your mixing bowl, and prepare to make a cinnamon raisin bread that will make your grandmother proud. This classic dish’s warmth, sweetness, and nostalgic appeal will enhance the pleasure of cooking at home.