Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of perfectly golden-brown bread, bursting with the sweet spice of cinnamon and juicy raisins. This whole wheat cinnamon raisin bread recipe is more than just a delicious treat; it's a simple, healthy, and satisfying addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! Let's get started on this delightful journey into the world of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a quick dinner idea or a weekend baking project.
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast, crucial for a light and airy loaf.
- Whisk in the egg and olive oil until well combined.
Mixing the Dough:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Kneading and Rising:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a tablespoon or two of flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Stir in the raisins.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Baking:
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Enjoying:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Delicious Tips and Variations
- For a sweeter bread: Increase the honey to 2 tablespoons.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be delicious additions. Add them along with the raisins.
- Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom would complement the cinnamon beautifully.
- Make it vegan: Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This whole wheat cinnamon raisin bread recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are also healthy and easy to prepare. It's a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes and a testament to the joy of homemade cooking. Enjoy!