Effortless Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Soft, Sweet, and Perfectly Fluffy

This Effortless Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a soft, sweet loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Swirled with cinnamon sugar and studded with plump raisins, it’s slightly sweet, tender, and full of flavor.

The recipe is designed to be simple: minimal steps, easy ingredients, and a soft, fluffy texture that rivals bakery bread. You can enjoy it toasted with butter, spread with cream cheese, or simply sliced fresh from the loaf.

It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, and its sweet aroma fills the kitchen with warmth, making it a comforting homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet
• Minimal effort with simple ingredients
• Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snacks
• Can be made ahead and stored
• Easy for beginners
• Perfect toasted or fresh

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)

Instructions

1. Prepare dough
   In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add wet ingredients
   Mix in warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead dough
   Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Prepare cinnamon swirl
   Mix cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl. Roll dough into rectangle, sprinkle raisins, then cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Shape and second rise
   Roll dough into a loaf, place in greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise 30–40 minutes.
7. Bake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
8. Cool
   Remove from pan and let cool on wire rack before slicing.

Serving Ideas

• Serve toasted with butter or cream cheese
• Pair with coffee or tea for breakfast
• Use slices for French toast
• Add a drizzle of honey or glaze for extra sweetness

Effortless Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Soft, sweet cinnamon raisin bread perfect for breakfast or snacks. Easy to make with a tender crumb and swirled with cinnamon sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

Servings: 1 loaf

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American, Bakery

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bread Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast 1 packet
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp brown sugar for swirl

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Loaf pan
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Mix in warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until dough forms.
3. Knead dough 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar. Roll dough into rectangle, sprinkle raisins and cinnamon-sugar.
6. Roll dough into loaf, place in greased pan, cover, and rise 30–40 minutes.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool on wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For softer bread, brush top with melted butter after baking. Store in airtight container up to 3 days.