There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked bread. And when that bread is sweet, spiced cinnamon raisin bread, it’s an experience that awakens the senses and delights the palate. But who has hours to spend kneading dough and waiting for it to rise? This is where your trusty bread machine becomes an absolute game-changer! Our recipe for Bread Maker Cinnamon Raisin Bread streamlines the entire process, allowing you to enjoy warm, homemade goodness with minimal effort. Simply add your ingredients, press a button, and let your bread machine do all the heavy lifting. Forget expensive grocery store loaves; craft your own perfect, fluffy cinnamon raisin bread that’s wonderfully economical and incredibly satisfying. The heavenly scent alone will make you swoon!

Cinnamon raisin bread is a timeless favorite, enjoyed throughout the year. One of the best aspects of using a bread machine for this recipe is that you can bake it even during the warmest months without heating up your entire kitchen. This particular bread machine recipe was born out of a deep affection for all things cinnamon and raisin. My passion extends to other delightful treats like my Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies, creative Cinnamon Raisin Tortilla Sushi, and even my convenient Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookie Overnight Oats. This recipe brings that beloved flavor profile into a wonderfully soft and fragrant loaf of bread.

🥘Ingredient Notes: What You’ll Need for Perfect Bread

You don’t necessarily need specialized bread flour for this recipe; good quality all-purpose flour works wonderfully. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you will need for this delightful bread machine recipe:

• Unsalted Butter: We opt for unsalted butter to maintain precise control over the overall salt content in the bread. The amount of salt in salted butter can vary significantly between brands, which could affect the final taste and rise. Ensure it’s softened, not melted, for proper incorporation into the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: In many regions, including Canada, all-purpose (AP) flour typically has a high enough protein content (around 9g per serving) to produce excellent bread. While bread flour usually has a higher protein content (around 11g), which contributes to more gluten development and a chewier texture, AP flour often performs admirably. It’s a good practice to check the protein content of your specific brand of AP flour. If it’s on the lower side, you might consider using bread flour for a slightly better rise and structure.
• Powdered Milk: Dry milk, whether skim or whole, adds to the bread’s tenderness and contributes to a beautiful golden crust. It also helps with the bread’s shelf life. I personally use skim milk powder, but either works.
• Bread Machine Yeast: This is a crucial ingredient. Bread machine yeast (or instant yeast) is specifically designed to work quickly and consistently in the bread machine environment. Active dry yeast can also be used, but it might require activation in warm water first, and may not yield the same consistent results without adaptation. Always double-check that your yeast is within its expiration date for optimal rise.
• Raisins: The star of our cinnamon raisin bread! You can use any type of raisin you prefer, such as standard Thompson seedless raisins, golden raisins for a brighter flavor, or even sultanas. If your raisins seem a bit dry, you can plump them by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes and then patting them thoroughly dry before adding them to the machine.

📖 Creative Variations & Easy Substitutions

While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Dry Milk: Feel free to use either skim or regular dry milk powder. Both will contribute to the bread’s soft texture and rich flavor.
• Butter: If you only have salted butter available, simply reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to about ½ teaspoon to account for the salt already present in the butter.
• Raisins: Any type of dried grape will work beautifully! Experiment with golden raisins, standard Thompson raisins, or sultanas for subtle differences in flavor and sweetness. Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots could also offer an interesting twist.
• White Sugar: Brown sugar can be a fantastic substitute for white granulated sugar. It will add a deeper, more molasses-like flavor and a slightly moister texture to your bread.
• Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Achieving a distinct cinnamon swirl in a bread machine loaf is tricky without manual intervention. The machine’s kneading paddles will typically mix everything evenly. If a swirl is what you truly desire, you’d need to use the dough cycle only, remove the dough, roll it out, spread a cinnamon-sugar mixture, roll it up, and then bake it in a conventional oven. Alternatively, try my easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl Bread (a quick bread recipe) and simply add raisins to it for a similar flavor profile with a beautiful swirl.

🔪How to Make Delicious Bread Maker Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Making this incredible cinnamon raisin bread in your bread machine is surprisingly simple. Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fragrant bread in no time!

1. Step 1: Add Liquids and Butter. Begin by precisely measuring and adding all the liquid ingredients to your bread machine pan. Next, add the softened (but definitely NOT melted) unsalted butter. Softened butter incorporates smoothly into the dough, contributing to its rich flavor and tender texture.

2. Step 2: Layer Dry Ingredients (Except Yeast). Measure and carefully add the dry ingredients to the bread pan, layering them on top of the liquids and butter. Start with the flour, spreading it evenly. Then, pour the salt, sugar, dry milk, and cinnamon along the sides of the pan, creating a clear space in the center. This careful layering is important to keep the yeast separate from the liquid.

3. Step 3: Create a Well for the Yeast. Using your finger, gently form a small well (or hole) in the center of the flour layer. This is where the yeast will reside. It is absolutely crucial that the yeast does not come into direct contact with the liquid ingredients prematurely, as this can activate it too soon and negatively impact the bread’s rise and texture. Measure your bread machine yeast accurately and carefully pour it into this well, ensuring it remains isolated from the wet ingredients and other dry components for as long as possible.

4. Step 4: Start Your Bread Machine. Once all ingredients are in place, carefully put the bread pan into the bread maker and securely close the lid. Select the ‘normal’ or ‘basic’ mode on your machine. This recipe is designed for a 2lb loaf, so select that size setting if available. If your machine offers a crust color option, choose ‘LIGHT’ – a lighter crust often results in bread that is easier to slice once baked. Press the start button.

The baking process will typically take between 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, depending on your specific bread machine model and chosen settings. Keep an ear out for the “fruit signal” from your machine; this is the ideal time to add the raisins. If your machine doesn’t have a fruit signal, manually add the raisins after the second kneading cycle, which usually occurs about 15-20 minutes into the program. This timing ensures the raisins are evenly distributed without being excessively chopped by the kneading paddle. Once the timer signals the end of the baking cycle, promptly remove the bread pan from the machine. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is crucial for optimal texture and ease of slicing.

Helpful Hint: Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the loaf pan and removing the bread. The handle and the pan itself will be very hot. The kneading paddle might also be hot and could be stuck in the bottom of the bread. If this happens, wait until the bread cools further before gently removing the paddle to avoid tearing your beautiful loaf.

🍽Essential Equipment for Bread Machine Success

To embark on your journey to homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. The star of the show, of course, is a reliable bread machine. Beyond that, a good serrated knife and a sturdy cutting board are indispensable for slicing your finished loaf.

If you’re in the market for a new bread machine, there are several excellent options. For those seeking an economical yet effective model, I personally recommend something similar to the Oster Express Bake (affiliate link). It’s a fantastic entry-level bread maker that delivers consistent results. In fact, I recommended it to my mom, and she loved it so much she eventually gifted me her new one! However, if your budget allows for an upgrade and you’re looking for the absolute “Cadillac” of bread machines, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Bread Maker (affiliate link) comes highly recommended for its advanced features and exceptional performance. Don’t forget a wire rack for cooling your bread properly, ensuring a crisp crust and ideal texture. (For additional recommended equipment links and photos, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below).

🌡️Storing Your Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious homemade cinnamon raisin bread fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. At room temperature, wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container, your bread will remain fresh for up to 5 days. However, for extending its life significantly, the freezer is your best friend. Bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising its quality. For the absolute best way to store this bread and ensure it lasts the longest, ready for a quick snack or breakfast, consider slicing and freezing it.

Once your bread has fully cooled on a wire rack, carefully slice the entire loaf using a serrated knife into portions that fit easily into your toaster. This proactive step saves time later and prevents you from trying to slice a frozen loaf. Place the sliced bread into freezer-safe bags or containers, separating slices with parchment paper if desired to prevent sticking. When you’re ready for a slice, simply pull one out. You can either pop it directly into the toaster for a perfectly warm and slightly crispy piece, or microwave it for about 10 seconds to gently defrost. This method ensures you always have fresh-tasting homemade bread on hand.

👪 Serving Size and Loaf Options

This Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread recipe yields a generous 2 lb loaf, which typically provides about 10 substantial servings or slices. The photo above showcases what a full loaf looks like – it’s quite impressive! Each slice is usually long and fairly large, making it perfect for a hearty breakfast or snack. You might find it beneficial to cut each slice in half, especially if you want it to fit neatly into a standard toaster slot.

For those who prefer a smaller quantity, you’ll be pleased to know that you can also make a 1 lb loaf of this delightful Raisin Cinnamon Bread. I’ve thoroughly tested this smaller version multiple times to ensure perfect results. Please refer to the detailed NOTES section within the recipe card for the specific ingredient adjustments required for a 1 lb loaf. Remember to select the appropriate 1 lb loaf setting on your bread machine if that option is available, to ensure correct baking times and cycles.

🥗 What to Serve with Bread Maker Cinnamon Raisin Bread

This versatile homemade cinnamon raisin bread is utterly delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a variety of accompaniments. My favorite way to enjoy it is toasted, slathered with creamy butter and a dollop of your favorite fruit jam. It also makes for an incredibly decadent and comforting French toast or a delightful French Toast Casserole for a crowd. Beyond breakfast, it pairs wonderfully with lighter meals and beverages.

Consider serving it alongside a refreshing Classic Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing, savory Roasted Red Pepper Egg White Bites, or crispy Air Fryer Turkey Sausages for a complete brunch experience.

For beverages, pair it with your morning coffee, a comforting cup of tea, a vibrant Rhubarb Smoothie, or a festive non-alcoholic bubbly drink like my cheerful Mimosa Mocktail (pictured above)! Each pairing enhances the sweet, spiced flavors of the bread, making every bite a memorable one.

❔Frequently Asked Questions about Bread Maker Cinnamon Raisin Bread

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