Calling all young baking enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a journey through the warm, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying realm of Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread.
This classic treat isn’t just a breakfast option – it’s a timeless masterpiece of fluffy dough, bursting with juicy raisins, and laced with the irresistible fragrance of cinnamon.
So, grab your aprons and preheat your ovens, because we’re about to whip up a delicious batch of knowledge about this amazing bread!
From Ancient Origins to Modern Marvels:
Believe it or not, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread’s roots stretch back centuries! Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in breads, while Romans enjoyed raisin loaves.
Fast forward to medieval Europe, and monasteries perfected yeast-risen bread. These strands of history eventually intertwined, giving birth to the glorious swirl we know and love today.
The Science Behind the Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread:
But how does this swirly magic happen? It all boils down to the interplay of ingredients and technique. Yeast puffs up the dough, while sugar and butter add richness and tenderness. Raisins, plumped in warm water, become pockets of juicy sweetness.
And then, there’s the star of the show – cinnamon. Its warm, spicy aroma mingles with the dough, creating an irresistible scent that lures even the most resistant noses into the kitchen.
Conquering the Kitchen: Your Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread Recipe for Success:
Ready to bake your slice of swirly heaven? Don’t fret! Making Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread is easier than you think. With a simple recipe and a dash of patience, you’ll be a master baker in no time. Here’s a sneak peek into the process:
Warm up your yeast:
This tiny organism loves lukewarm environments, so give it a cozy bath before mixing it with the dough.
Knead with love:
Get your hands messy and give the dough some TLC. This helps develop gluten, the stretchy network that gives bread its airy crumb.
Let it rise:
Time for some patience! Yeast needs time to work its magic, doubling the dough in size for a light and fluffy texture.
Swirling secrets:
Roll out the dough, spread on that cinnamon-sugar goodness, and get ready for the fun part – swirling! The tighter you roll, the more defined your swirls will be.
Bake to perfection:
A golden brown crust and a tempting aroma are your cues to take your masterpiece out of the oven.
Beyond Breakfast: Creative Twists on a Classic:
Think Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread is just for mornings? Think again! This versatile loaf can be enjoyed in endless ways. Toast a slice for an afternoon snack, pair it with cheese for a savory twist, or even transform it into French toast for a decadent brunch.
Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different fillings like chocolate chips, cranberries, or even nuts!
Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water about 105°F/41°C – use lukewarm water that feels warm but not hot to the touch.
- 2 tablespoons milk warmed – warm the milk slightly in a microwave or on the stovetop until lukewarm.
- 2 tablespoons 30g shortening – use vegetable shortening or any solid fat like butter or margarine.
- 1 teaspoon 6g salt – regular table salt.
- 4 cups 500g bread flour – all-purpose flour can also be used, but bread flour gives the bread a chewier texture.
- 3 tablespoons 45g white sugar – granulated sugar.
- 2 teaspoons 5g active dry yeast – any brand will work.
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1 cup 150g raisins – any type you like, golden raisins or dark raisins both work well.
- 2 tablespoons 28g softened butter – unsalted or salted butter, softened at room temperature until easily spreadable.
- 2 tablespoons 30g packed brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar can be used.
- 1 teaspoon 4g ground cinnamon – Ceylon cinnamon has a more delicate flavor, but regular cinnamon is also fine.
- 1 tablespoon 15g melted butter – for brushing the top of the bread before baking.
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, warmed milk, shortening, and salt. Stir until the shortening dissolves. Add the flour, sugar, and yeast, and mix with a spoon or mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour by the tablespoon, but don’t over-knead.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat in the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: While the dough rises, combine the raisins, softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix well to form a spreadable filling.
- Assemble the bread: Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll and rise: Starting from the long end, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the edges to seal. Place the log, seam-side down, in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the risen dough with melted butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Swirly Questions:
Why are my swirls not defined?
Don’t overmix the dough, and make sure your cinnamon-sugar filling isn’t too wet. A tighter roll also helps!
Can I skip the raisins?
Absolutely! While raisins add sweetness and texture, a plain cinnamon swirl is equally delicious.
Help! My bread turned out dense!
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, and avoid over-kneading the dough.
The Final Delicious Flourish:
Attention, aspiring bakers! Prepare yourselves, for Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread is not merely a delectable delight; it embodies a voyage through culinary heritage, a platform for boundless creativity, and a scrumptious testament to your baking endeavors.
Arm yourselves with mixing bowls, ignite the oven, and prepare to immerse yourselves in the euphoria of swirling creations!
Bear in mind, that your imagination is the sole boundary, and each loaf is a tantalizing escapade yearning to be savored. Embark on the conquest of the kitchen, one mesmerizing swirl at a time!
Should this recipe tantalize your taste buds, dare to explore our delightful vanilla cupcake recipe for another culinary adventure.
