Name: Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-497231H7M14S
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and ½ cups (240g) raisins (plus hot to boiling water for soaking); ¼ cup (60mL) warm water (about 110ºF / 43ºC); 2 and ¼ teaspoon (7g) active dry yeast (one packet); 2 Tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar; 5 Tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter (divided and melted); 1 cup (240mL) warm milk (preferably whole milk); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour; 2 Tablespoons (30mL) milk; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 8 reviews

If you have a soft spot for warm, fragrant bread filled with sweet raisins and the comforting spice of cinnamon, you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe. The combination of a tender crumb, a perfectly sweet cinnamon swirl, and plump, juicy raisins makes every slice an absolute delight. Whether toasted for breakfast or enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter, this bread brings a cozy, homemade touch that simple store-bought loaves just can’t match.

Ingredients You'll Need

A sliced loaf of raisin swirl bread is placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The bread shows a golden-brown crust with a spiral pattern inside, made of light brown bread dough mixed with dark brown raisins evenly spread in the swirl layers. The texture of the bread looks soft and airy with small holes. On the right side, there is a white bowl filled with more dark raisins, and a serrated knife lies in front of it. In the background, cinnamon sticks and a red cloth can be seen blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for just a handful of classic, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that ideal taste and texture. From the raisins soaking to become juicy, to the cinnamon that fills the bread with warmth, every ingredient is essential for a perfect loaf.

Raisins: Soaking them first makes sure they stay plump and juicy within the bread instead of drying out.
Warm water: The perfect temperature activates the yeast without killing it.
Active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and develop that airy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the cinnamon and raisins.
Unsalted butter: Melted for richness, it tenderizes the dough beautifully.
Warm milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon: The key spice that makes this bread irresistibly fragrant and cozy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the yeast in balance.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the bread its structure and chew.
Additional milk (for brushing): Helps cinnamon-sugar stick to the dough before rolling.
Cinnamon-sugar filling: Sprinkled on top for that signature sweet swirl in every slice.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Raisins

Start by placing your raisins in a bowl and covering them with hot, nearly boiling water. Giving them 10 to 15 minutes to soak softens the raisins so they won’t dry out during baking. After soaking, drain, blot dry gently with a kitchen towel, and let them air out a bit. This quick soak makes a world of difference in the final bread’s texture and sweetness.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Add warm water (you can even reuse some raisin soaking water) to a large bowl or your mixer bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast on top, and stir in sugar to feed the yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbling. This bubbly activity signals that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Mix in the melted butter, warm milk, cinnamon, salt, and half of the flour. Either use your stand mixer with the dough hook or stir with a wooden spoon, gradually adding the rest of the flour as you go. Eventually, toss in those plump raisins and continue mixing until the dough is mostly coming together. It should pull away from the bowl sides but might still be a bit shaggy at this point.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. Add flour a tablespoon at a time if needed to prevent stickiness, aiming for that smooth, elastic PlayDoh-like texture. This kneading builds the gluten structure that gives your bread its perfect chew and rise.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat, cover it with a kitchen towel, and find a warm spot to let it double in size—this usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. This leisurely rise allows the flavors to develop and the dough to puff up beautifully.

Step 6: Shape and Add Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out into an 8" by 20" rectangle on a floured surface. Brush the surface with milk to help the cinnamon-sugar filling stick, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from one short end and place it seam-side down into a greased loaf pan.

Step 7: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the rolled dough loosely with a towel and allow it to rise again for 45 minutes to an hour. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Before baking, brush the loaf with the remaining melted butter for a golden finish. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, turning halfway through and tenting with foil if it browns too quickly. Your bread is done when it has a beautiful golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped—or when it reaches 190ºF (88ºC) inside.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important for the crumb texture to set perfectly and for easier slicing.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

A close-up view of a sliced raisin swirl bread loaf held by a woman's hand on the right side, showing one thick slice with a light brown spiral pattern and dark raisins spread evenly in the swirls and bread. In the background, there are cinnamon sticks standing in a glass jar and a folded red cloth adding warm color tones. The bread loaf is placed on a wooden surface that contrasts with the white marbled background. There is also a white bowl with raisins blurred in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light spread of butter or cream cheese enhances each warm slice, balancing the sweetness and opening up the flavors even more. For an extra touch, dust with a pinch of cinnamon sugar or drizzle with honey for that faint sticky sweetness that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or yogurt for breakfast, or paired with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea. During brunch, serve it with eggs or a cheese platter to add a hint of sweetness that complements savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try toasting slices and layering with nut butters or mascarpone and fresh berries for a fresh take. For a gorgeous dessert, make French toast using the bread, soaking it in a vanilla custard, then frying until golden brown. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bread is completely cooled, store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight bag at room temperature. It stays fresh and soft for up to 4 days—perfect for slicing fresh each morning or packing in lunches.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe over time, wrap it well with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster or oven for just a few minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and to awaken the cinnamon aroma. Avoid microwaving directly as that can sometimes make the bread gummy or dense.

FAQs

Can I use golden raisins or other dried fruit in this bread?

Absolutely! Golden raisins will add a lighter sweetness and a sunny color contrast, while chopped dried apricots or cranberries can add a fun twist. Just be sure to soak any dried fruit first to keep the bread moist and tender.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer? Can I make this bread by hand?

Yes, you can make this entirely by hand with a large bowl, wooden spoon, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease for kneading. It might take a few extra minutes, but the results will be just as wonderful.

Why is my bread dense instead of light and fluffy?

Density can result from under-kneading, not letting the dough rise enough, or using water that’s too hot or too cold for the yeast. Follow the rising times closely and check that the dough is smooth and elastic before the first rise.

Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it before baking?

Yes! After the first knead, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, allow it to come to room temperature, proceed with shaping, and then rise before baking. This slow fermentation can enhance the flavor even more.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

Tapping the bottom of the loaf is a classic test—it should sound hollow when done. Alternatively, use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of about 190ºF (88ºC). This ensures the center is baked through without being dry.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about baking your own bread, especially a Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe like this one that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and sweet raisins. It’s a rewarding process and the taste is unbeatable. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious slice as much as I do. Happy baking!