Introduction
This delightful bread recipe promises to deliver a soft and flavorful treat, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. The combination of cinnamon and raisins brings warmth and sweetness, while the glaze adds a finishing touch that makes this bread irresistible. Gather your ingredients and get ready for some baking joy!
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
Preparation for this delicious bread will take about 15 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time is approximately 60 minutes, resulting in a total time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This recipe yields one 9×5-inch loaf of bread, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 the raisins in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry with a towel.
3. In another small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and cinnamon. Take a spoonful of this mixture and stir it into the drained raisins. Set aside.
4. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose 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 sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until all ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing.
7. Gently fold in the prepared raisins.
8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it to the edges, and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the top.
9. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool for about an hour before applying the glaze 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 achieved.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Slice and serve.
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 of the loaf, line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy grip.
Step 2: Soak the Raisins
In a small bowl, place the raisins 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: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In another small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and cinnamon. Take a spoonful of this mixture and stir it into the drained raisins, ensuring they are well-coated. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized 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 until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the egg and mix until just combined.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the sifted flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until all ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Raisins
Gently fold the prepared raisins into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 8: Layer the Batter in the Pan
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it to cover the edges, and finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
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 when the loaf is fully baked.
Step 10: Cooling the Bread
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the loaf to a cooling rack and 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 well combined. Add additional cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired glaze consistency.
Step 2: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the loaf. After glazing, slice the bread and serve.
Notes
Note 1: Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or dates if desired.
Note 2: Storage
Stored in an airtight container, the bread will remain fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature.
Note 3: Freezing Instructions
The unglazed loaf can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before glazing and serving.
Cook techniques
Greasing the loaf pan
Coat the loaf pan with non-stick baking spray to prevent the bread from sticking. Lining with parchment paper adds an extra layer of protection for easy removal.
Soaking raisins
Soak the raisins in boiling water for 15 minutes to plump them up, enhancing their flavor and texture in the bread. Drain and pat dry before adding to the batter.
Sifting dry ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to aerate the ingredients and ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Creaming butter and sugar
Beat the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy to incorporate air for a lighter texture in the bread. This process helps create a tender crumb.
Folding ingredients
Gently fold in the prepared raisins after combining all other ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense texture.
Layering the batter
Pour half of the batter into the pan and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon before adding the remaining batter. This creates a flavorful swirl in the finished bread.
Baking time
Bake the bread for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is fully cooked and has the right texture.
Cooling properly
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack, allowing it to set before applying the glaze.
FAQ
Can I use other types of sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, you can use regular brown sugar or even granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
What can I substitute for raisins?
You can replace raisins with other dried fruits, such as chopped dates, cranberries, or currants for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, the bread needs more time.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, the bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
How can I adjust the glaze consistency?
Start with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and add more one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired drizzle consistency.
Conclusion
This delicious loaf combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and raisins with a sweet glaze to create a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The balance of ingredients results in a moist and flavorful bread that can be enjoyed on its own or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. With simple preparation steps and readily available ingredients, it’s an easy and rewarding recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cinnamon Sugar Muffins
Use the same batter to make muffins instead of a loaf, and top them with a cinnamon sugar mixture for a delightful breakfast treat.
Banana Raisin Bread
Incorporate mashed ripe bananas into the batter for added moisture and sweetness, creating a delicious variation of the original recipe.
Apple Cinnamon Loaf
Add finely chopped apples to the batter along with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a fruity twist on the classic cinnamon recipe.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Replace raisins with dried cranberries and add orange zest to introduce a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the sweetness.
Nutty Banana Bread
Enhance texture and flavor by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter; this addition pairs wonderfully with the existing ingredients.
