Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen—especially when it’s warm, soft, and studded with sweet, juicy raisins.
Welcome to my kitchen, where simple ingredients come together to create something truly special! Today, we’re making homemade raisin bread—a soft, slightly sweet loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, tea time, or just because. With a golden crust and a tender, raisin-filled crumb, this bread is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or with a drizzle of honey, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Let’s get baking!
Simple Ingredients for a Perfect Loaf!
Ingredients:
Why you’ll love this homemade raisin bread!
Tips for this deliciously flavorful raisin bread!
Making homemade bread that’s both soft and packed with flavor can be a challenge, but with a few tips, you can easily master the art of baking the perfect loaf. Here’s how to ensure your homemade raisin bread turns out irresistibly soft and bursting with flavor:
- Use the Right Flour
The type of flour you use plays a key role in the texture of your bread. For the softest result, opt for all-purpose flour or bread flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives the dough more structure, resulting in a chewier texture. If you’re looking for a lighter, fluffier loaf, stick with all-purpose flour. - Let the Dough Rise Properly
The first rise is where all the magic happens. Allow your dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—usually 1-2 hours. The longer the dough has to rise, the more flavor it will develop. - Add Fat for Richness
Incorporating a bit of fat into your bread dough, like butter or oil, is key for softness. Fat coats the gluten strands and prevents them from becoming too stiff, resulting in a tender crumb. For a rich, buttery flavor, add a couple of tablespoons of softened butter when mixing the dough. This also helps give the bread a golden crust when baked. - Use a Gentle Touch When Shaping
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to remove air bubbles before shaping. When shaping your loaf, be gentle and avoid overworking the dough. Overworking can cause the bread to become dense and tough. Shape the dough into a tight, even loaf and place it into your baking pan, making sure to allow for a second rise. - Bake at the Right Temperature
Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you bake. A hot oven helps the bread rise quickly in the first few minutes of baking, creating a fluffy texture. Bake your raisin bread until the crust is golden brown, and when you tap it on the bottom, it sounds hollow. If you want an extra-soft crust, you can brush the top with a bit of butter as soon as it comes out of the oven. - Let It Cool Before Slicing
As tempting as it is to dive into a warm loaf of raisins bread, let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the structure of the bread to set, ensuring a softer crumb. Slicing too early can result in a gummy texture. Be patient—your reward will be a perfectly soft, flavorful loaf!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll create a loaf of raisin bread that’s not only soft and fluffy but also packed with rich flavor and a delightful sweetness from the raisins.
Bake and enjoy!
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