Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread is a warm, comforting homemade bread featuring sweet cinnamon swirls and juicy raisins. Perfectly soft and moist with a tender crumb, this bread fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and delights every bite. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert, it’s versatile and nostalgic with a rich combination of flavors and textures.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup softened butter
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup raisins
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it activate for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg and softened butter into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, kneading the mixture until a smooth and elastic dough forms, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon evenly. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle about 12×16 inches. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough, then scatter the raisins across the surface.
- Form the Swirl: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal the seam and ends. Coil the log gently if desired or place it directly into a greased loaf pan, seam side down.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover the loaf pan loosely and let the dough rise a second time until puffy, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh, active dry yeast for the best rise and texture.
- Spread cinnamon sugar and raisins evenly to avoid uneven baking or clumping.
- Check bread around 30 minutes with a toothpick to prevent overbaking and maintain a soft crumb.
- Let the bread cool fully before slicing to preserve structure and texture.
- Brush the finished loaf with melted butter for a shiny, flavorful crust.
- Toss raisins in a little flour before adding to dough to prevent sinking.
- Use a serrated knife to slice to avoid crushing the tender crumb.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cinnamon bread, raisin bread, cinnamon swirl, homemade bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread, soft bread