Cinnamon Raisin Bread

This cinnamon raisin bread is the kind you want to slice thick and toast until the edges get crispy and the raisins turn chewy and caramelized. A generous swirl of cinnamon sugar runs through the center, and every bite is loaded with plump raisins. It fills the kitchen with the most incredible smell while it bakes.

Ingredients

  • 3½ cups unbleached bread flour
  • 1 packet (2¼ tsp) dry active yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup cane sugar
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Redmond Real Salt
  • ¾ cup thompson raisins
  • 2 tbsp Ceylon cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp light brown cane sugar

*Bolded ingredients are products we typically carry at Tare Bulk Foods.

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Knead in the raisins during the last 2 minutes.
  3. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
  4. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle, roughly 9 by 14 inches. Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together, then sprinkle evenly over the surface. Roll the dough up tightly from the short end.
  5. Place seam-side down in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until the dough rises above the rim.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Notes

  • Soak the thompson raisins in warm water for 15 minutes before adding them to the dough. This keeps them plump and prevents them from drying out during baking.
  • For a sweeter finish, drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf.
  • This bread freezes beautifully. Slice before freezing for easy single servings.