Sweet & Swirled Cinnamon Raisin Bread – Step-by-Step Guide!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Raisin Bread filling your kitchen.

This homemade bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor and bursts of sweet, juicy raisins.

Whether enjoyed toasted with a pat of butter, turned into decadent French toast, or simply eaten fresh from the loaf, this bread is a classic favorite for all ages.

Unlike store-bought versions, making it from scratch ensures you get the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture without any unnecessary additives.

If you love homemade baked goods that are easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

Aromatic and Flavorful

The warm scent of cinnamon combined with the natural sweetness of raisins makes this bread a delightful treat for any time of day.

Soft, Moist, and Perfectly Sweet

This bread has a tender crumb with just the right amount of chewiness, making every bite absolutely satisfying.

Versatile and Enjoyable

Serve it plain, toasted with butter, or use it for creative recipes like French toast, bread pudding, or a sweet sandwich.

Better Than Store-Bought

Homemade bread is fresher, tastier, and free of preservatives. Plus, you can control the ingredients to suit your preference.

Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and a step-by-step process, even beginner bakers can master this recipe effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose or Bread Flour – Provides structure and chewiness.
• Active Dry Yeast – Helps the bread rise and become light and airy.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and activates the yeast.
• Milk – Enhances flavor and creates a soft texture.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and keeps the bread moist.
• Egg – Helps with structure and gives the bread a tender crumb.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

• Brown Sugar – Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon – The key ingredient for the warm, spiced flavor.
• Melted Butter – Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the dough.

For the Raisins:

• Raisins – Sweet, chewy bursts of flavor throughout the bread.
• (Optional: Soak them in warm water or rum for extra plumpness.)

How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bread (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C). Stir in the sugar and active dry yeast.

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

If using, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up. Drain and pat dry.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 9×12-inch rectangle.

Brush the dough lightly with melted butter.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Scatter the raisins over the cinnamon-sugar layer.

Starting from the short end, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams to seal.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the dough seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes until it puffs up.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the bread for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

If it browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy plain, toasted, or with butter!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Use Fresh Yeast

Always check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure a good rise.

If the yeast doesn’t foam in the warm milk, start over with fresh yeast.

Don’t Overload the Fillings

While it’s tempting to add extra sugar and raisins, too much filling can prevent the dough from baking evenly.

Roll the Dough Tightly

Rolling the dough tightly helps create distinct cinnamon swirls instead of gaps inside the loaf.

Soak the Raisins

For extra juicy raisins, soak them in warm water or even rum for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough.

Check for Doneness

To ensure the bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done!

How to Store Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator:

• While not necessary, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week in an airtight container to extend its freshness.

Freezer:

• Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.
• To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the toaster.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a comforting and delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert.

With its soft, fluffy texture and warm cinnamon-sugar swirls, this bread is sure to be a family favorite.

Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a spread of butter, you’ll love every bite.

Plus, the satisfaction of making it from scratch makes it even more special!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or an extra tablespoon of butter for moisture.

3. Why did my cinnamon swirl separate from the bread?

If the swirl is separating, the dough may have been rolled too loosely, or there was too much filling.

Try rolling it tightly and brushing a thin layer of water before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

4. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.

5. How do I prevent my bread from drying out?

Store it in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.

You can also add a piece of parchment paper inside the container to help retain moisture.