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Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread is a warm, comforting loaf bursting with the perfect balance of sweet raisins and spicy cinnamon. Soft, tender, and beautifully swirled with cinnamon sugar, this bread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Simple to make with basic pantry ingredients, this recipe will bring cozy flavors and a delightful texture to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk (~110°F/43°C)
  • 1 cup raisins (tossed in 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking)

Swirl Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it become frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the egg and melted butter, then slowly incorporate the yeast mixture while kneading to form a soft, elastic dough. Finally, knead in the flour-coated raisins to distribute evenly.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  3. Shape the Loaf and Create the Swirl: Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Brush evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll the dough tightly from one short end to the other, pinch the seams to seal, and place the loaf seam-side down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  4. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes, to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If the crust browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This allows the crumb to set properly before slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh and active yeast for the best rise and texture.
  • Do not over knead; knead just until smooth and elastic to avoid tough bread.
  • Spread cinnamon sugar evenly for perfect swirls in every slice.
  • If the crust browns too fast, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
  • Toss raisins with flour before adding to the dough to prevent sinking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cinnamon swirl bread, raisin bread, cinnamon raisin loaf, homemade bread, breakfast bread, sweet bread