Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe Without Machine For Soft Texture

Name: Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Prep time: 3 h 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1.5 cups milk; – 1 cup warm water (110-115°F or 43-46°C); – 2 packages active dry yeast; – 3 eggs; – 0.5 cup sugar; – 1 teaspoon salt; – 0.5 cup softened butter; – 1 cup raisins; – 8 cups all-purpose flour; – 2 tablespoons cinnamon for filling; – 1 cup sugar for filling; – 3 tablespoons cinnamon for filling; – 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a classic favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, making it perfect for home cooks looking for easy baking ideas. This recipe stands out because it’s simple to follow, yielding three soft loaves that serve about 36 people, ideal for family gatherings or sharing. Beyond its delightful taste, this bread offers a mix of health perks from ingredients like raisins, packed with fiber and nutrients.

One reason you’ll enjoy this cinnamon raisin bread is its ease of preparation, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that fit into busy schedules. I baked this over the weekend and shared it with friends, and they loved how soft and flavorful it turned out! It’s versatile too, adapting to different occasions whether you’re making it for breakfast or a snack.

Health and Flavor Benefits

The bread packs in natural sweetness from raisins, which add fiber and vitamins, while cinnamon brings a cozy spice that makes every bite feel special. For those interested in wellness, check out this guide to cinnamon benefits to see how it supports daily health. Overall, this recipe inspires joy in the kitchen and creates memorable moments around the table.

To get started, think about how this bread can become a staple in your routine. It’s not just tasty; it’s also forgiving for beginners, helping you build confidence in baking. Pair it with other simple recipes like my Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for more sweet treat ideas.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Raisin Bread
2. Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Bread
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cinnamon Raisin Bread
5. Mastering Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Raisin Bread
8. Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious cinnamon raisin bread that turns out soft and full of flavor. This recipe uses a specific mix that yields three loaves, serving around 36 people, so you can plan for sharing or storing extras. Let’s break down the list to ensure you have everything measured just right for the best results.

1.5 cups of milk
1 cup of warm water (110-115°F or 43-46°C)
2 packages of active dry yeast
3 eggs
0.5 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup softened butter
1 cup raisins
8 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cinnamon for filling
1 cup sugar for filling
3 tablespoons cinnamon for filling
2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

This structured list covers all the essentials, making it simple to follow along. For special tweaks, you can try soaking the raisins in hot water or rum to soften them up, which improves the texture in your final loaves.

Special Dietary Options

If you’re adjusting for dietary needs, consider swaps like plant-based milk for vegan versions or gluten-free flour to suit those preferences. These changes keep the bread just as enjoyable while fitting different lifestyles, adding to its appeal for busy parents and health-focused folks.

How to Prepare the Perfect Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Making cinnamon raisin bread by hand is a rewarding process that takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking time. This recipe yields three soft loaves, perfect for serving 36 people, and follows traditional steps without needing a machine. Start by warming the milk until it bubbles, then cool it to lukewarm to prepare your dough base.

Next, dissolve the yeast in 1 cup of warm water and let it froth for a few minutes. In a large bowl, combine this yeast mixture with the eggs, 0.5 cup sugar, 0.5 cup softened butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup raisins, and the cooled milk. Gradually add 8 cups of all-purpose flour to form a stiff dough, then knead it until smooth and elastic.

Fermenting and Shaping the Dough

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and let it rise until doubled in size, which takes about 1.5 hours. Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle, moisten it with a bit of milk, and sprinkle on the cinnamon-sugar mixture using 1 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons cinnamon. Roll it tightly, cut into thirds, shape into loaves, and let them rise for another hour.

Bake the loaves at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until golden. Finish by brushing with 2 tablespoons melted butter and cooling them on a rack. For better outcomes, try tips like using brown sugar for a richer taste or letting the dough rise in a warm oven if your kitchen is cool. This method ensures a soft texture that everyone will love, just like in my Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake recipe.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Customizing cinnamon raisin bread makes it easier for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a busy parent or someone watching their diet. This recipe yields three loaves for 36 servings, so you can adapt it for various needs without much hassle. For instance, replace dairy milk with plant-based options to make it vegan-friendly, keeping the soft texture intact.

Other tweaks include using gluten-free flour blends for those avoiding gluten, or adding extras like grated apple for natural sweetness. If you want to experiment, try swapping cinnamon with warm spices such as nutmeg for a fresh twist. These changes help make the bread a flexible choice for food enthusiasts and baking newcomers alike.

Enhancing Nutrition and Taste

In the research from the National Institutes of Health, ingredients like cinnamon show benefits beyond flavor. By doubling the salt or adding nuts, you can boost the taste while meeting dietary goals, making this bread both delicious and adaptable.

Mastering Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your cinnamon raisin bread to the next level involves simple pro techniques that enhance texture and flavor, especially when yielding three loaves for 36 people. For instance, refrigerate the dough overnight for a deeper taste, or soak raisins in hot water to make them plump and juicy. Adding extra cinnamon to the dough or filling can intensify that signature spice.

Flavor variations are fun too try dried cranberries instead of raisins or mix in orange zest for a bright note. When rolling the dough, do it tightly to avoid any separation during baking, and adjust times if using smaller pans. These tips, combined with the total prep time of about 3 hours and 45 minutes, help in cold environments by letting the dough rise in a warm spot.

Presentation and Storage Ideas

For a polished look, slice the bread evenly and serve it toasted with butter. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the dough early and bake fresh later, which works well for working professionals. Explore pairings with other recipes like hearty casseroles to make your meals more exciting.

How to Store Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your cinnamon raisin bread fresh, especially with three loaves serving 36 people. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to lock in moisture. For longer hold, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months, thawing as needed for convenience.

Reheating is easy just warm slices in a toaster to restore that soft texture. Consider meal prep by slicing and freezing portions individually, reducing waste and making it simple for busy mornings. These methods ensure your bread stays enjoyable, adding to its versatility.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Raisin Bread

What ingredients do I need to make homemade cinnamon raisin bread?

To make cinnamon raisin bread at home, you’ll need basic bread ingredients such as all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water or milk, sugar, salt, and butter. Additionally, you’ll need ground cinnamon and raisins for the signature flavor. Optionally, some recipes include eggs or honey for richness and moisture. Make sure to use fresh yeast and plump raisins for the best texture and taste. Incorporating cinnamon sugar in the dough or as a swirl enhances the cinnamon flavor consistently throughout the bread.

How can I keep cinnamon raisin bread fresh longer?

To keep cinnamon raisin bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the bread at room temperature or warm slices in a toaster or oven to restore softness. Avoid refrigerating as this can dry the bread out faster.

Is cinnamon raisin bread healthy to eat regularly?

Cinnamon raisin bread offers some nutritional benefits because raisins provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron, and cinnamon has natural antioxidants. However, the bread also contains sugar and refined flour, which should be consumed in moderation. Choosing recipes with whole wheat flour or reduced sugar can make the bread healthier. Enjoying cinnamon raisin bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet is a good approach.

What are the best ways to serve or enjoy cinnamon raisin bread?

Cinnamon raisin bread is delicious toasted with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or nut butter. It can also be used to make French toast, bread pudding, or sandwiches with savory fillings like turkey or cheese. Toasting enhances its flavor and texture by bringing out the cinnamon notes and crisping the edges. For a quick snack, simply slice and enjoy it plain or with your favorite spread.

Can I make cinnamon raisin bread without a bread machine?

Yes, cinnamon raisin bread can be made entirely by hand or using a stand mixer without a bread machine. Start by mixing the dough ingredients, knead until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. After incorporation of raisins and a cinnamon swirl (if desired), shape the loaf and let it rise again before baking in a conventional oven. Following traditional bread-making steps yields a similarly delicious result without special equipment.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe Without Bread Machine For Soft Texture