Fluffy Raisin Bread: Homemade Soft Braided Loaf
Do you want to learn how to make fluffy raisin bread that’s perfect for breakfast or to satisfy your bread cravings? This bread is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s not too complicated to make, but it does take some time because bread baking is all about waiting for the dough to rise.
The Secret Behind Our Raisin Bread
Actually, my husband is the one who made this because he was the one craving it. And honestly, he’s the baker in our house. In fact, he’s really good at baking, while I’m just here to enjoy eating (bahah!). But jokes aside, this raisin bread is soft and delicious, especially because I love raisins in bread.
The Perfect Morning Treat
I love dipping this bread in our morning coffee. Two slices are enough to keep me full until lunch. My husband, on the other hand, prefers spreading butter and cinnamon-flavored sandwich spread on it. So here it is – our fluffy raisin bread recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 105°F)
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup raisins
Egg wash
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Use the mixing bowl of the stand mixer and combine the warm milk, egg, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir well with a whisk.
- Mix dry ingredients: Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed (or by hand, wooden spoon, or a spatula) until a shaggy dough forms.
- Note: A stand mixer is not necessary. You can use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix this in a bowl.
- Incorporate butter: Add the softened butter and continue mixing for about 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
- Tips: You can also knead the dough for 5 minutes in the mixer or by hand until the dough is elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a lid or with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Add Raisins and Rest: Punch down the risen dough to release any trapped air. Sprinkle some flour on the table and flatten the dough. Add the raisins and knead to combine. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long log, about the same length.
- Braid the Dough: Line up the three dough ropes and braid them, pinching the ends together and tucking them underneath.
- Second rise: Carefully place the braided dough into a greased 7-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean cloth and let the dough rise for another 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C).
- Bake: Uncover the risen dough and brush with egg wash. Then, bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Glaze and Cool: Brush with egg wash again while it’s hot. After that, allow the bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Enjoy warm, or let it cool completely for firmer slices.
- Storage: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and soft for several days.
Fluffy Raisin Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 105°F)
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup raisins
Egg wash
- 1 piece egg
- 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Use the mixing bowl of the stand mixer and combine the warm milk, egg, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir well with a whisk.
- Mix dry ingredients: Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed (or by hand, wooden spoon, or a spatula) until a shaggy dough forms.Note: A stand mixer is not necessary. You can use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix this in a bowl.
- Incorporate butter: Add the softened butter and continue mixing for about 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.Tips: You can also knead the dough for 5 minutes in the mixer or by hand until the dough is elastic.
- Add Raisins and Rest: Punch down the risen dough to release any trapped air. Sprinkle some flour on the table and flatten the dough. Add the raisins and knead to combine. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long log, about the same length.
- Braid the Dough: Line up the three dough ropes and braid them, pinching the ends together and tucking them underneath.
- Second rise: Carefully place the braided dough into a greased 7-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean cloth and let the dough rise for another 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C).
- Bake: Uncover the risen dough and brush with egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Glaze and Cool: Brush with egg wash again while it's hot. Then, allow the bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Enjoy warm, or let it cool completely for firmer slices.
- Storage: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and soft for several days.
You can watch the easy-to-follow video recipe.
Try this super easy banana bread for snacking
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