Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of moist, subtly sweet cinnamon raisin wheat bread, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a comforting afternoon snack. This recipe delivers just that – a homemade loaf that's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. It's a perfect example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas that are also incredibly delicious. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, raisins, cinnamon, and optional sugar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shaping and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 6: Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon raisin wheat bread!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements of ingredients for the best results.
- Don’t over-knead the dough, as this can result in a tough loaf.
- Ensure the water is the correct temperature for activating the yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will hinder its activity.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Add ½ cup of diced apples to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Cranberry Cinnamon Bread: Substitute cranberries for raisins for a tart and festive flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: 3-5g Protein: 4-6g Carbohydrates: 25-35g Fiber: 2-4g
This recipe provides easy recipes and healthy meals perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to enjoy homemade cooking and discover some of the best recipes. Enjoy!