As the leaves start to change and crisp mornings return, there’s no better way to fill your kitchen with warmth than baking a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread. The scent of cinnamon, melted butter, and fresh-baked dough is like a hug for the soul. This recipe has become a go-to for home bakers who crave nostalgic flavors and an easy baking day.
Whether you’re enjoying a toasted slice for breakfast or making French toast on the weekend, this bread delivers comfort and satisfaction. Let’s dive into this soft, sweet, and spiced loaf that’s perfect for cozy moments.
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Cinnamon Raisin Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Description
A soft, sweet, and warmly spiced cinnamon raisin bread that fills your home with cozy fall aromas. Perfect toasted for breakfast or turned into French toast on the weekend.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- ¼ cup neutral oil or melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup raisins (soaked in warm water 10 minutes, drained)
- 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk warm milk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead by hand or mixer (dough hook) for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if it’s too sticky.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel or wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl. Set aside the soaked and drained raisins.
- Shape the Loaf: Roll dough into a rectangle (roughly 9×14 inches). Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon mixture and raisins evenly across the surface.
- Roll and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly from the short side. Pinch the seams and place the loaf seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool and Slice: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Slice when fully cooled for neat layers.
Notes
Check your yeast—it may be inactive if the dough doesn’t rise. Soak raisins to keep them plump. Roll evenly for a consistent swirl. Use a thermometer to check for doneness (190–195°F internal temp).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients List
This homemade cinnamon raisin bread uses simple pantry staples and yields a fluffy loaf with just the right sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- ¼ cup neutral oil or melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup raisins (soaked in warm water 10 minutes, drained)
- 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing
You might also enjoy other autumn bakes like this brown sugar pumpkin loaf or the apple cinnamon bread both perfect for the season.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk warm milk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir to form a shaggy dough.
Knead by hand or mixer (dough hook) for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if it’s too sticky.
2. Let it Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel or wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled.
3. Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl. Set aside the soaked and drained raisins.
4. Shape the Loaf
Roll dough into a rectangle (roughly 9×14 inches). Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon mixture and raisins evenly across the surface.
5. Roll and Second Rise
Roll the dough tightly from the short side. Pinch the seams and place the loaf seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
6. Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
7. Cool and Slice
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Slice when fully cooled for neat layers.
This method is beginner-friendly and pairs perfectly with homemade spreads like this caramel apple puppy chow or healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars on the side.
Tips for Success
- Check your yeast: If your dough doesn’t rise, your yeast may be expired or your milk too hot.
- Soak the raisins: This ensures they stay soft and juicy.
- Roll evenly: This helps keep the cinnamon swirl consistent.
- Use a thermometer: Bread is done when it hits 190–195°F internally.
Delicious Variations
Want to give your cinnamon raisin bread a personal twist? Try one of these variations:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t include it.
- Streusel Topping: Mix 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle over the loaf before baking.
- Nutty Add-ins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
- Maple Swirl: Replace some of the sugar in the filling with maple syrup for a deeper autumn flavor.
If you’re into rustic bakes, you’ll love our pumpkin sourdough bread and sweet sourdough pumpkin bread with pecans as well.
Storage Recommendations
At Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze sliced bread in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Toast directly from frozen.
To Refresh: Warm slices in the toaster or oven to revive texture and bring back the fresh-baked aroma.
Why Readers Love This Recipe
This cinnamon raisin bread is more than a recipe it’s a comforting ritual. It’s soft, full of fall flavor, and makes your whole home smell like a bakery. Even beginner bakers find this loaf easy and rewarding. Plus, it’s versatile: enjoy it plain, toasted, or dressed up with butter and jam.
For another comforting classic, try this banana chocolate chip pumpkin bread or these apple pumpkin streusel muffins.