Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

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

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

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

Active dry yeast: Leavens the bread, making it rise and giving it a light texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the raisins.

Raisins: Provide sweetness and a chewy texture.

Melted butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.

When kneading the dough, ensure that you achieve a smooth and elastic texture by using the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then folding it back over itself. This process helps develop the gluten, which is essential for the bread's structure. If the dough becomes too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the work surface with flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread dense.

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

• warm milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture and moisture.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and works faster than active dry yeast.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the bread.

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

• raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a tart and sweet flavor that complements the cinnamon.

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

• Allow the cinnamon raisin bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep the bread fresh by preventing it from drying out and protecting it from external odors.
• Place the wrapped bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against air and moisture.
• Store the bread at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the bread. Slice the loaf before freezing to make it easier to thaw and use individual slices as needed.
• To freeze, wrap each slice or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped bread in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze the bread for up to 3 months. For best results, consume within this time frame to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.
• When ready to use, thaw the bread at room temperature. If you prefer warm bread, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
• For a quick thaw, microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• Oven Method: 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 heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the bread's texture and flavor.

• Toaster Method: Slice the cinnamon raisin bread and place the slices in a toaster. Toast on a medium setting until the bread is warm and slightly crispy. This method is quick and gives the bread a delightful crunch.

• Microwave Method: Place a slice of cinnamon raisin bread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the bread chewy.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter both sides of the cinnamon raisin bread slices. Place the slices in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warmed and slightly toasted. This method adds a lovely buttery flavor.

• Steaming Method: If you have a steamer, place the cinnamon raisin bread in the steamer basket. Steam for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is warmed through. This method keeps the bread moist and soft.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast, and later to mix the flour, salt, and cinnamon into the yeast mixture.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, milk, and sugar.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the yeast, salt, and cinnamon.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the ingredients together until a dough forms.

• Clean surface: Needed for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Greased bowl: Used to let the dough rise in a warm place.

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: To cover the bowl while the dough is rising.

• Loaf pan: For shaping the dough into a loaf and baking it.

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

• Wire rack: For cooling the bread completely after it has been baked.

• Pastry brush: Useful for greasing the bowl and loaf pan with melted butter.

• Timer: To keep track of the rising and baking times.

• Cooling rack: For letting the bread cool in the pan and then on the wire rack.

Warm milk quickly: Use the microwave to warm the milk in 30-second intervals instead of using the stove.

Instant yeast: Substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast to skip the proofing step.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Use a stand mixer: Knead the dough with a stand mixer to save time and effort.

Soak raisins: Soak raisins in warm water while preparing other ingredients to plump them up faster.

Quick rise method: Place the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising process.