Delicious Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe for Your Bread Machine

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Freshly baked loaves of bread cooling on a wire rack, with one loaf topped with raisins for added flavor.

There's nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. If you're looking to charm your family and friends with a comforting treat, this cinnamon raisin bread recipe is just what you need. It's simple to make in your bread machine, combining sweet raisins and fragrant cinnamon. This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or even as a special dessert.

In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to create a delicious loaf of cinnamon raisin bread that will impress anyone who takes a bite. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before diving into the baking, gather these easy-to-find ingredients:

• 1 cup of warm water (at about 110°F)

• 2 tablespoons of white sugar

• 2 ¼ teaspoons of bread machine yeast (one packet)

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

• 3 cups of bread flour

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

• ½ cup of raisins

  
  

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavors, but also in its convenience. Most of these items are staples in any kitchen.

Preparing Your Bread Machine

To get started, ensure your bread machine is clean and ready for use. Every model is slightly different, so be sure to check your manual for specific instructions. Generally, follow these steps for optimal results:

1. Warm Water: Begin by pouring the warm water into the baking pan of your bread machine.

   
   

2. Sugar and Yeast: Sprinkle the sugar into the water and then add the yeast on top. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. If done correctly, the surface should become frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

   
   

3. Oil: Pour in the vegetable oil after the yeast has bloomed.

   
   

4. Dry Ingredients: Gently mound the bread flour on top of the liquid ingredients, then carefully add the salt and ground cinnamon on top of the flour, keeping the mixture dry until the next step.

   
   

5. Raisins: Finally, add the raisins on top of the flour mixture.

   
   

This order is essential for proper yeast activation and even distribution of the raisins throughout the loaf.

Selecting the Right Settings

With your ingredients in place, it’s time to set your machine. Most bread machines come equipped with a specific option for sweet breads. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Choose the Sweet Bread Setting: This setting accounts for the sugar and enrichments like oil, giving your bread a lovely flavor and texture.

   
   

2. Select the Crust Color: Depending on your preference, you can go with light, medium, or dark crust. A medium setting typically makes the best overall choice for cinnamon raisin bread.

   
   

3. Start the Machine: Close the lid and start the machine. You can now enjoy the comforting smell of cinnamon as the bread bakes!

   
   

Baking Time and Cooling

The actual baking time usually takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on your bread machine model. Once the cycle is finished, carefully remove the bread pan. Consider the following cooling tips:

1. Let It Cool: Keep the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes to let it set.

   
   

2. Transfer to a Wire Rack: After letting it cool in the pan, gently flip the pan to release the bread. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because it keeps the bread's texture intact, preventing it from becoming too moist.

   
   

Slicing and Serving

After the cooling period, your cinnamon raisin bread is ready for slicing and serving. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Toast It: A warm slice topped with butter is a classic breakfast choice that enhances the bread's flavor.

  
  

• Add Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of cream cheese on top. The creaminess perfectly balances the sweetness of the raisins.

  
  

• Pair with Hot Beverages: Enjoy your slice alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a soothing afternoon treat.

  
  

This bread also makes a wonderful base for French toast. Experiment and enjoy!

Storing Your Bread

If there are any leftovers—though they may disappear quickly—here’s how to store your cinnamon raisin bread effectively:

1. Room Temperature: Keep the bread in a bread box or wrap it in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.

   
   

2. Freezing: To extend its life, slice the bread and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply toast or warm it up.

   
   

Embrace the Baking Experience

Baking homemade cinnamon raisin bread in a bread machine is not only easy but deeply satisfying. The combination of fragrant cinnamon and sweet raisins creates a loaf that everyone will love. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; this straightforward recipe is perfect for all skill levels.

So grab your ingredients and let your bread machine work its magic. Soon, your home will be filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread, and you'll be ready to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Happy baking!