Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread is a warm, comforting homemade bread featuring soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and studded with plump raisins. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this bread offers a nostalgic flavor with a tender crumb and beautiful cinnamon swirls in every slice.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35-40 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Swirl Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar until foamy, about 5-10 minutes, indicating the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, softened butter, and the milk-yeast mixture. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Roll and Add the Swirl: Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush melted butter evenly over the surface. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough. Scatter the raisins across the top. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seam closed to seal.
- Second Rise: Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise until nearly doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. To check doneness, tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it is ready. Allow bread to cool slightly before slicing to set the cinnamon swirls.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activation and even rising.
- Do not rush the rising times; proper proofing develops the best texture and flavor.
- Spread cinnamon sugar and raisins evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Brush the crust with melted butter after baking for a shiny and tender crust.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cinnamon bread, raisin bread, sweet bread, homemade bread, cinnamon swirl, breakfast bread, snack bread