Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked raisin bread filling your kitchen? Forget store-bought loaves! This easy raisin bread recipe, perfectly designed for your bread machine, will deliver a delicious, homemade treat with minimal effort. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to enjoying warm, sweet, and perfectly textured raisin bread anytime you desire. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Sweet and Savory
This recipe makes one standard-sized loaf of raisin bread.
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup raisins (golden or dark, your preference!)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked raisin bread:
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Activate the Yeast: In the bread machine pan, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
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Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture.
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Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Stir gently to avoid excessive mixing.
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Add the Raisins: Gently fold in the raisins. Don't worry about them being perfectly distributed; they'll mix throughout the kneading process.
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Bread Machine Magic: Place the pan into your bread machine and select the "dough" or "basic" cycle. Most bread machines will automatically knead and rise the dough.
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Second Rise (Optional): Once the dough cycle is complete, you can optionally let the dough rise for another 30 minutes in a lightly oiled bowl, covered with plastic wrap. This step gives the bread even more flavor and a slightly more airy texture.
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Bake: After the second rise (or if skipping this step, directly after the dough cycle), select the "bake" cycle on your bread machine. Baking time varies depending on your machine, usually between 50-60 minutes.
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Cooling and Enjoyment: Once the bread is finished baking, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Raisin Bread Perfection
- Yeast Matters: Use fresh yeast for the best results. Old yeast can lead to a flat loaf.
- Flour Power: The amount of flour might need slight adjustments depending on your flour and the humidity. Start with 3 cups and add more if the dough is too sticky.
- Raisin Size: Smaller raisins distribute more evenly throughout the loaf.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your liking. You can add a teaspoon or two more for a sweeter bread.
Variations: Explore the Possibilities
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful nutty raisin bread.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm spiced flavor profile.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright and refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 4-6g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious homemade raisin bread is perfect for breakfast, alongside your morning coffee, or as a delightful accompaniment to a light soup or salad. It's a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal, making it a staple for your easy recipes collection and a go-to for healthy meals. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade goodness!