When it comes to baking bread, few things evoke nostalgia quite like the aroma of freshly baked loaves filling your kitchen. This particular bread recipe reminds me of my grandmother’s warm kitchen, where the love was kneaded into every batch. It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the little moments—watching the dough rise, the satisfaction of kneading, and the joy of sharing a slice with loved ones. As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to master a homemade bread recipe that will surely become a staple in your home. Not only does this bread have a soft, fluffy texture, but it’s also infused with sweet raisins that add a delightful surprise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for novice bakers; it’s approachable and rewarding.
- You can customize it with spices or nuts to suit your tastes.
- The raisin addition elevates the flavor, making it a sweet treat.
- The dough rises beautifully, creating a light and airy loaf.
- The golden-brown crust adds a crunchy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- It’s an excellent meal prep option, ideal for sandwiches or toast throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 0.6 cups (150 ml) warm water
- 0.6 cups (150 ml) warm milk
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon (9 g) dry yeast
- 30 ml vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
- 3.6 cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- 50 g raisins
- Butter for greasing
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk
Ingredient Notes
- Warm Water and Milk: Using warm liquids (not hot) helps activate the yeast, ensuring your dough rises beautifully.
- Sugar: In addition to sweetening, sugar helps feed the yeast, so don’t skip this ingredient.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and prolongs the bread’s freshness.
- Raisins: Feel free to substitute with other dried fruits or nuts for a different flavor profile.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean countertop or cutting board
- Plastic wrap or a kitchen towel
- Baking pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes or until foamy.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the vegetable oil and mix well.
- Sift the all-purpose flour into the bowl, then add the salt. Mix with a spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Incorporate the raisins into the dough, kneading with the spatula until combined.
- Flour your countertop lightly, then transfer the dough and knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Grease a bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide it into 4 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
- Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking pan with butter.
- Roll out each ball into a log shape and place them in the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rest for 30-40 minutes until puffed.
- Mix the egg yolk with the tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the dough.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. The loaves should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Make sure your water and milk are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic; this ensures a light texture after baking.
- If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour on the countertop while kneading.
Common Mistake
- Skipping the proofing step can lead to dense bread. Ensure the yeast blooms before incorporating it into your dough.
Tested Note
After several tests, I found that allowing the dough to rise in a slightly heated oven (turned off) produces a more consistent rise than simply leaving it on the counter.
Variations
- Herb-Infused Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs to the flour for a savory twist.
- Honey Raisin Bread: Substitute honey for sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with the flour for a warm spice flavor.
- Nutty Raisin Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture and richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your freshly baked bread warm with butter or as a base for sandwiches. Toasting slices makes for an excellent breakfast or snack option.
Storage Instructions
To store, place the bread in a sealed plastic bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
Reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, wrapped in aluminum foil, to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per slice (based on 12 slices):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 3g
Recipe Summary Card
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Bread
- Calories: 150
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but reduce the amount slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
- What if my dough doesn’t rise? Ensure your yeast is active; use fresh yeast and warm liquids for best results.
- How can I tell the bread is done? A golden-brown crust and hollow sound when tapped indicate it’s fully baked.
- Can I make this bread without raisins? Absolutely! Feel free to omit them or substitute with your favorite dried fruits.
- How do I know if the yeast is active? It should become frothy within 10-15 minutes when mixed with warm water and sugar.
Conclusion
With this comforting bread recipe, you can fill your home with warmth and memories while creating delicious moments to share. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients; each tweak brings you closer to your perfect loaf.
Tested Note
I found that allowing the dough to rest longer before baking enhances flexibility, resulting in a wonderfully airy texture.
Homemade Raisin Bread
This comforting homemade raisin bread recipe features a soft, fluffy texture infused with sweet raisins, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Bread Ingredients
- 0.6 cups warm water (Using warm (not hot) water helps activate yeast.)
- 0.6 cups warm milk (Using warm (not hot) milk helps activate yeast.)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness.)
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast (Activate the yeast by mixing with warm liquids.)
- 30 ml vegetable oil (Adds moisture and prolongs freshness.)
- 3.6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50 g raisins (Can substitute with other dried fruits or nuts.)
- Butter for greasing
- 1 tablespoon milk (For egg wash.)
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes or until foamy.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the vegetable oil and mix well.
- Sift the all-purpose flour into the bowl, then add the salt. Mix with a spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Incorporate the raisins into the dough, kneading with the spatula until combined.
- Flour your countertop lightly, then transfer the dough and knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Grease a bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide it into 4 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
- Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking pan with butter.
- Roll out each ball into a log shape and place them in the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rest for 30-40 minutes until puffed.
- Mix the egg yolk with the tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the dough.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. The loaves should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.
Make sure your water and milk are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Knead until smooth for a light texture. If the dough sticks, sprinkle more flour on the countertop.
