Raisin Bread Recipe
Description:
This delightful Raisin Bread recipe hails from my beloved Grandmother’s cherished 1941 cookbook, “The New American Cook Book,” a treasure trove of culinary wisdom from a bygone era. Though some may find its advice on domesticity amusingly outdated, the recipes within are timeless classics. In this rendition, I’ve taken the liberty of enhancing the original with a generous dash of cinnamon, imparting a warm and comforting flavor to this beloved loaf. Perfect for cozy evenings or weekend brunches, this bread is not only delicious but also a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional homemade fare.
CookTime: 1 hour
PrepTime: 30 minutes
TotalTime: 1 hour 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Breads
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 355.6
- Fat Content: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 4.3mg
- Sodium Content: 309.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 72.2g
- Fiber Content: 3g
- Sugar Content: 13g
- Protein Content: 9.2g
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp shortening
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup raisins
Optional for Cinnamon Paste:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm. |
| 2 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with shortening, sugar, and salt. Stir until the shortening is melted and ingredients are well incorporated. |
| 3 | Dissolve the yeast in 2 tablespoons of warm water and let it activate for a few minutes. |
| 4 | Add the activated yeast mixture to the milk mixture in the bowl. |
| 5 | Gradually add 2 cups of flour to the mixture, beating until smooth. Incorporate the cinnamon into the dough. |
| 6 | Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. |
| 7 | Once risen, add the raisins to the dough, along with enough additional flour to make a firm dough. |
| 8 | Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic to the touch. |
| 9 | Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and allow it to rise again in a warm place until doubled in bulk. |
| 10 | After the second rise, knead the dough again briefly. |
| 11 | Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased baking pan. |
| 12 | Cover the pan and let the dough rise for a final time until doubled in bulk. |
| 13 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 14 | Bake the risen loaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. |
| 15 | Optional: For an extra burst of cinnamon flavor, prepare a paste by mixing together the brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture onto the rolled-out dough before shaping it into a loaf. |
| 16 | Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. |
| 17 | For added sweetness, you can dust the cooled loaf with powdered sugar mixed with a small amount of milk to create a simple icing. |
| 18 | Serve slices of this delightful Raisin Bread warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of homemade goodness! |
This Raisin Bread recipe is not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful homage to the culinary traditions of generations past. With its comforting aroma and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your household as well. So roll up your sleeves, channel your inner 1941 housewife (with a modern twist!), and let’s bake up some memories together! 🍞✨
