Raisin Bread Recipes

Raisin Bread Recipes 

There’s something warm and nostalgic about the smell of raisin bread fresh from the oven. Whether you're a fan of the classic cinnamon swirl or looking for a new take with whole wheat or coconut, raisin bread has a way of making mornings sweeter and tea time more special. Raisins add natural sweetness and texture, making each slice a satisfying treat on its own or lightly toasted with butter.

In this guide, we’ll explore three delicious raisin bread recipes, each showcasing a unique twist: a classic Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread, a hearty Whole Wheat Raisin Bread, and a tropical Coconut-Raisin Bread. These loaves are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting.

1. Classic Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread

This is the raisin bread most of us grew up loving—fluffy, sweet, and filled with swirls of cinnamon and sugar. Toast a slice and let the aroma fill your kitchen.

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

1 tsp salt

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 cup raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 mins, then drained)

For the filling:

½ cup brown sugar

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit until foamy (about 5–10 minutes).

Add the rest of the sugar, butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix well. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add raisins during the last few minutes of kneading.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours or until doubled.

Shape the loaf: Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 9x14 inches). Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Roll tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Place in a greased loaf pan.

Let rise again until puffy, about 45 minutes.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden. Tent with foil during the last 10 minutes if it browns too quickly.

Cool before slicing.

Serving Tip: Toasted with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey makes it taste even better.

2. Whole Wheat Raisin Bread with Walnuts

Looking for something heartier with more fiber and texture? This whole wheat raisin bread includes a touch of honey and chopped walnuts for a nutty, wholesome slice that pairs well with tea or coffee.

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 ½ cups bread flour

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

1 tsp salt

¼ cup honey

1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)

2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

1 cup raisins

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional but recommended)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with honey. Let it sit until foamy.

Stir in the oil, salt, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix until smooth.

Add remaining flour a bit at a time until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes, adding raisins and walnuts during the final few minutes.

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled—about 1 to 1½ hours.

Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Place in a greased 9x5 loaf pan.

Cover and let rise again until puffy, 30–45 minutes.

Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped.

Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Note: Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while walnuts bring in healthy fats and crunch.

3. Coconut-Raisin Bread (Tropical Twist)

If you’re in the mood for something slightly exotic, this coconut-raisin bread brings a taste of the tropics with sweet shredded coconut and a hint of vanilla. It’s lovely as a breakfast treat or a light dessert.

Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup sugar

½ cup shredded sweetened coconut

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup raisins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and coconut.

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, oil, and vanilla.

Add wet ingredients to dry and stir just until combined. Fold in raisins.

Pour into the loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving Suggestion: Try this with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a tropical dessert loaf.

Baking Tips for Perfect Raisin Bread

Soak Your Raisins: Soaking raisins in warm water, juice, or even a little rum before adding them to your dough helps prevent them from drying out your loaf and gives them a juicier texture.

Don’t Over-knead: Especially for the coconut or quick bread recipes, over-mixing can lead to a tough loaf.

Storage: All three loaves can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. They also freeze well—slice first for easy toasting later.

Raisin bread isn’t just a nostalgic treat—it’s a blank canvas for flavor. Whether you enjoy a swirl of cinnamon, the nuttiness of whole grains, or the sweet bite of coconut, raisin bread offers a little something for every palate.

Helpful Reading 

 Low Histamine Bread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Histamine-Bread-Recipes-Loaves-Sensitive-ebook/dp/B0F2SNZKDR/

The Dahlia Microfarm: Starting a Profitable Backyard Flower Business 

https://www.amazon.com/Dahlia-Microfarm-Starting-Profitable-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F4XYPR3Z/

Lavender for Weddings and Events: Grow and Create DIY Bouquets, Decor and More 

https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Weddings-Events-Bouquets-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0F4YSH9M3/