Baking cinnamon raisin bread at home brings warmth, nostalgia, and comfort all in one bite. With a soft, fluffy crumb and ribbons of cinnamon sugar swirled through every slice, this bread is ideal for breakfast, snack time, or sharing with loved ones. Each batch yields three hearty loaves, making it perfect for storing or gifting.
Whether you’re just starting out with yeast breads or you’re an experienced home baker, this recipe is straightforward, dependable, and satisfying to make. A touch of sweetness from the raisins and spice from the cinnamon makes every slice taste like home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakes three generous loaves you can eat, freeze, or share
- Rich, buttery dough filled with juicy raisins and warm cinnamon
- Beginner-friendly and consistently successful
- Makes an excellent addition to brunch spreads or morning coffee
This bread is soft, flavorful, and full of nostalgic charm. It offers just the right amount of sweetness, making it versatile for both everyday and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Milk – 1½ cups
Warmed milk adds tenderness and a soft texture to the dough.
Warm Water – 1 cup (around 110°F)
Helps activate the yeast and gives the dough the lift it needs.
Active Dry Yeast – 2 packets (0.25 oz each)
Allows the bread to rise, producing a light, airy interior.
Raisins – 1 cup
Bring a natural sweetness and chewy bite. Soaking them briefly keeps them plump and evenly spread throughout the dough.
Eggs – 3 large
Help bind ingredients and contribute to a richer dough.
White Sugar – 1¼ cups (divided)
Sweetens the bread dough and makes up the cinnamon swirl.
Margarine – ½ cup, softened
Adds moisture and richness. Unsalted butter works well as a substitute.
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Balances out sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – 8 cups
Gives the bread its structure and volume. Sift for best results.
Milk – 2 tablespoons (for brushing the swirl)
Moistens the dough so the cinnamon sugar adheres properly.
Ground Cinnamon – 2 tablespoons
The key to that cozy, spiced swirl.
Butter – 2 tablespoons (melted, for finishing)
Brushed on top after baking for a soft and flavorful crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bread
This recipe follows a traditional yeast bread process with a sweet twist. You’ll begin by making a rich, egg-enriched dough. After rising, it’s rolled out, filled with a cinnamon sugar layer, and shaped into three loaves. A second rise brings lightness, and baking fills your home with the most inviting aroma.
Each step is approachable, even for novice bakers, and the results are consistently impressive.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Warm 1½ cups of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it steams. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water and the yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the surface becomes foamy.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the soaked raisins, eggs, ½ cup of the sugar, softened margarine, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir in the lukewarm milk and mix well.
Step 4: Add Flour Gradually
Stir in the flour one cup at a time until a dense, slightly sticky dough forms.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 6: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Turn it once to coat the surface, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Mix the remaining ¾ cup sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 8: Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Step 9: Add the Swirl
Brush the surface with 2 tablespoons of milk, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
Step 10: Shape the Loaves
Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer edge. Cut into three equal sections and tuck in the ends.
Step 11: Second Rise
Place each piece into a greased loaf pan (9×5 inches). Lightly grease the tops and cover. Let rise again for 1 hour.
Step 12: Bake the Loaves
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for about 45 minutes until golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
Step 13: Finish and Cool
Remove from pans immediately and brush with melted butter. Let them cool fully on a wire rack before slicing.
Helpful Tips
- Soaking raisins before mixing keeps them from drying out and sinking.
- Roll dough tightly to create a clear cinnamon swirl.
- Ensure the milk and water aren’t too hot or too cold when activating yeast.
- Sift the flour to create a lighter texture.
- Slice and freeze loaves individually for convenience.
Details
Flavor: Lightly sweet with warm cinnamon spice and juicy raisins
Texture: Soft interior, tender crust
Best For: Breakfast, gifts, brunches, or sweet snacks
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours and 20 minutes
Yield: Three full-sized loaves (36 slices total)
Notes (Variations and Substitutions)
- Replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a twist.
- Brown sugar can be used in the swirl for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Add chopped nuts for texture.
- Swap margarine for unsalted butter for a richer finish.
- For a no-yeast version, use baking powder and adjust the texture expectations.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Sugars | 9g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do raisins fall to the bottom of the loaf?
Raisins can sink if they’re too dry or not evenly mixed. Soaking them in warm water and lightly dusting with flour helps keep them suspended.
How can I make sure the cinnamon swirl stands out?
Use plenty of cinnamon sugar and roll the dough snugly. Moistening the dough with milk before sprinkling helps it adhere.
Is it necessary to soak the raisins first?
Yes. It keeps them moist throughout baking and prevents burning or hard bits.
Can I make this bread without yeast?
Yes, by using a quick bread method with baking powder. The texture will be different, more like a soft cake than chewy bread.
Storage Instructions
Keep the bread in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days. To extend freshness, wrap the loaves well and freeze for up to three months. Slice before freezing for easier serving. Refrigeration is not recommended, as it can cause the bread to dry out quickly.
Print
Cinnamon Raisin Bread | Ultimate Homemade Comfort
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 loaves 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade cinnamon raisin bread with a soft crumb, rich flavor, and classic cinnamon swirl. Makes 3 delicious loaves perfect for sharing or storing.
Ingredients
1½ cups milk
1 cup warm water (110°F)
2 packets active dry yeast (0.25 oz each)
1 cup raisins (soaked)
3 large eggs
1¼ cups white sugar, divided
½ cup margarine, softened
1 tsp salt
8 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp milk (for swirl)
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
1. Warm the milk and let it cool slightly.
2. Activate the yeast in warm water until foamy.
3. Mix in raisins, eggs, ½ cup sugar, margarine, salt, and cooled milk.
4. Gradually add flour until a firm dough forms.
5. Knead until smooth and elastic.
6. Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled.
7. Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon.
8. Punch down dough and roll into rectangle.
9. Brush with milk and sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
10. Roll tightly and divide into three loaves.
11. Place in pans, rise again until doubled.
12. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
13. Brush with melted butter and cool completely.
Notes
Swap raisins for cranberries or add chopped nuts. Use brown sugar for a deeper swirl flavor. For a quicker version, try a no-yeast adaptation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
Cinnamon raisin bread brings back memories of warmth and home. With its sweet aroma, soft crumb, and swirl of comforting spices, it’s a timeless recipe that’s always worth the effort. Whether shared with family or made for quiet mornings, these loaves are as rewarding to bake as they are to eat. Try this recipe and make your kitchen smell like love