Introduction
Indulging in homemade bread not only brings warmth to the home but also fills the air with delightful aromas. This loaf, enriched with raisins and a hint of cinnamon, is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet snack. With its soft texture and sweet glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
¼ cup butter, softened
1 egg
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
⅓ cup raisins
Glaze Ingredients:
½ cup powdered sugar
2–4 tablespoons heavy cream
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick baking spray. For easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the sides.
2. Place raisins in a small bowl, cover with boiling water, and let soak for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a towel.
3. In another small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir a spoonful of this mixture into the drained raisins; set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
5. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix just until combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Fold in the prepared raisins.
8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.
9. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool for about an hour before glazing and slicing.
Glaze Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Add additional cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
3. Slice and serve.
Store the bread covered at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious homemade loaf!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by coating it with non-stick baking spray. For easy removal, line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Raisins
Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for 15 minutes. After soaking, drain the raisins and pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Mix Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
In another small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and cinnamon. Take a spoonful of this mixture and stir it into the drained raisins to coat them lightly; set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once sifted, set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg to this mixture and mix just until combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently just until combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 7: Fold in Raisins
Gently fold the prepared raisins into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 8: Assemble the Loaf
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over this layer. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and brown sugar-cinnamon mixture, layering it in the same manner.
Step 9: Bake the Loaf
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 10: Cool the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool for about an hour before glazing and slicing.
Glaze Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Stir until smooth and add additional heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired glaze consistency is achieved.
Step 2: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top.
Step 3: Slice and Serve
Slice the bread and serve.
Notes
Storage
Store the bread covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Variations
Feel free to substitute the raisins with other dried fruits or add nuts for an extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack.
Cook techniques
Soaking Raisins
Soaking raisins in boiling water helps to plump them up and enhances their natural sweetness. This process ensures that they remain moist and tender in the final baked product.
Sifting Dry Ingredients
Sifting together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt aerates the mixture and helps to prevent lumps. This technique also ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in a lighter texture.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beating softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy incorporates air into the mixture. This process is essential for creating a light and tender loaf, as it helps the bread rise during baking.
Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients
Adding the flour mixture and milk alternately to the butter and sugar mixture prevents overmixing. This method allows for proper hydration while maintaining a fluffy texture in the finished loaf.
Layering Batter and Cinnamon Sugar
Pouring half of the batter into the loaf pan, followed by a sprinkle of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and repeating with the remaining batter creates delightful flavor pockets throughout the bread. This layering increases the richness of the final taste.
Baking Time and Doneness Test
Baking the loaf for approximately 60 minutes allows it to cook thoroughly. Checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center helps ensure that the bread is perfectly baked without being dry.
Cooling Before Glazing
Letting the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack prevents it from becoming soggy. Allowing it to cool for an hour helps the glaze to adhere better and enhances the overall presentation.
FAQ
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, you can use dark brown sugar. It will add a slightly richer flavor to the bread.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you don’t have raisins on hand, you can substitute with currants, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, the bread can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to store any leftover bread?
Store the bread covered at room temperature to maintain its freshness for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze as needed.
Conclusion
The combination of soft butter, sweet sugars, and aromatic cinnamon creates a delightful bread enriched by the chewy texture of raisins. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a comforting dessert. The glaze adds a finishing touch that brings brightness to every slice, making it a truly satisfying addition to any table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Banana Bread
Enhance your baking repertoire with a moist banana bread that incorporates ripe bananas for natural sweetness. Add chopped nuts for added texture.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Combine grated apples and cinnamon into a muffin batter for a quick breakfast option. The addition of walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch.
Cranberry Orange Loaf
Replace raisins with dried cranberries and add orange zest for a zesty twist. This makes for a refreshing and tart loaf perfect for fall.
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Use a similar base batter and fold in chocolate chips instead of raisins. Add a crumb topping for a coffee cake that pairs perfectly with your morning brew.
Pumpkin Spice Bread
Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into your batter for a seasonal twist. This bread is delectable with cream cheese frosting.
