Best 2 Hearty Raisin Bread Recipes

Indulge in the delectable goodness of hearty raisin bread, a classic culinary delight that tantalizes taste buds with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. This versatile bread, with its soft and fluffy interior studded with plump, juicy raisins and a crispy, golden-brown crust, is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed as a simple snack, toasted with butter, or transformed into delectable French toast, this bread is sure to satisfy any craving. Discover the secrets behind creating this irresistible treat with our collection of easy-to-follow recipes. From traditional methods using active dry yeast to modern variations incorporating sourdough starter, we've got you covered. Explore the various techniques, tips, and tricks to achieve the perfect loaf every time. Get ready to embark on a delightful baking journey and elevate your bread-making skills to new heights.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

THE BOY WITH THE BREAD: HEARTY RAISIN NUT BREAD

The Boy With The Bread: Hearty Raisin Nut Bread image

Provided by Emily Ansara Baines

Categories Bread Nut Breakfast Brunch Bake Fall Winter Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free Kosher

Yield 2 large loaves

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 (.25-ounce) package or 5 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons white sugar
2 eggs
3 cups whole wheat flour
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 egg white
2 tablespoons cold water

Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the milk, butter, honey, salt, cinnamon, sugar, eggs, and whole wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
2. Place raisins in a bowl of tepid tap water. Let soak until needed.
3. Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. Grease two 8.5" x 4.5" loaf pans.
5. Punch dough down. Turn out onto the lightly floured surface; sprinkle with raisins and walnuts and knead them in. Divide dough in half.
6. Roll dough into loaves, keeping raisins folded inside.
7. Place loaves into greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about one hour.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F.
9. Beat egg white and cold water; brush over loaves.
10. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes or until golden brown. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes.
11. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

HEARTY RAISIN BREAD

Hearty Raisin Bread image

Although I just recently moved to the country, I love from-scratch cooking, and baking bread is a favorite pastime. This rich bread has a delectable cinnamon flavor and is loaded with raisins.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1-1/2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 eggs
3 cups whole wheat flour
3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups raisins
1 egg white
2 tablespoons cold water

Steps:

In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, honey, salt, cinnamon, eggs and whole wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough all-purpose flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. , Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; sprinkle with raisins and knead in. Divide in half. Shape into loaves. Place in two greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Beat egg white and cold water; brush over dough. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 190mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

Activate the yeast properly: Ensure the water is lukewarm (around 110-115°F) to activate the yeast effectively.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh, high-quality raisins, flour, and other ingredients will yield a tastier and more flavorful bread.
Measure ingredients accurately: Correct measurements are crucial for a successful bake. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Knead the dough properly: Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a strong and elastic dough. Knead for at least 5-7 minutes.
Let the dough rise in a warm place: A warm environment helps the dough rise properly. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the dough gently: When shaping the dough into loaves, handle it gently to avoid deflating it.
Bake the bread at the right temperature: Follow the recipe's recommended baking temperature and time to ensure the bread is cooked thoroughly.

Conclusion:

With careful attention to detail and following these tips, you can create a delicious and hearty raisin bread that will be enjoyed by your family and friends. The combination of raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives this bread a warm and inviting flavor, perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a delightful baking journey to create this delectable treat!