Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Do you dream of a breakfast that's both delicious and effortless? Then look no further! This simple breadmaker cinnamon raisin bread recipe is your answer. Forget store-bought loaves – this recipe delivers a wonderfully soft, flavorful bread packed with sweet cinnamon and plump raisins, all made with the convenience of your bread machine. It’s the perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate homemade cooking experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (for added nutrients)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In your bread machine pan, combine the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will create a beautifully risen loaf.
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Add the sugar, salt, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Incorporating the Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Make sure to give it a little stir. Reserve 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour; this is for dusting later if needed.
Step 4: Adding the Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins. Don't overmix; a few streaks of flour are perfectly acceptable.
Step 5: The Bread Machine Magic
Place the bread machine pan into your machine. Select the "dough" cycle or a similar setting. Most bread machines have a setting for a basic loaf.
Step 6: Shaping and Baking (Optional)
Once the dough cycle is complete, you can either shape the dough into a loaf and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or use the "bake" cycle on your bread machine (if available). Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying!
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the inside to set properly and prevents a soggy loaf.
Tips for Success:
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh. Expired yeast won't activate properly and will result in a flat loaf.
- Flour Consistency: If the dough seems too sticky, add the reserved flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
- Raisin Distribution: To prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom, lightly toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the dough.
- Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and bread machine. Always check for doneness using a toothpick.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: For a decadent treat, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your loaf and the specific ingredients used. However, you can expect a serving to be relatively low in fat and high in carbohydrates and fiber thanks to the whole wheat flour. This makes it a good source of energy, suitable for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack. Use a nutritional calculator for a more precise estimate based on your specific ingredients and serving size.
This breadmaker cinnamon raisin bread is a perfect example of delicious dishes created with homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea for those busy weeknights and a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy!