Grandma’s Secret Raisin Bread Recipe: A Family Tradition

Welcome to my grandmother’s famous raisin bread recipe. This recipe has been in our family for generations, and I am excited to share it with you today. My grandmother was an amazing cook, and her raisin bread was one of her specialties. Whenever she baked it, the sweet aroma would fill her kitchen, and we knew we were in for a treat.

This recipe is easy to make, and the result is a loaf of soft, fluffy bread with juicy raisins in every bite. If you are a fan of cinnamon raisin bread, you will love this recipe. It is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven, toasted, or even turned into bread pudding.

I hope you will give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. I am confident that it will become one of your go-to recipes, just like it has been for my family for years. So, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grandma’s Raisin Bread Recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filling your kitchen as the bread bakes in the oven will make your mouth water. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and has become a staple in my family’s cookbook. It’s easy to make and perfect for beginners looking to try their hand at baking bread.

The ingredients used in this recipe are simple yet delicious. The addition of raisins adds a touch of sweetness to the bread while the cinnamon and other spices create a unique flavor that you won’t find in any other bread recipe. The bread is soft and moist, making it perfect for toasting and slathering with butter or jam.

Not only is this bread perfect for breakfast or brunch, but it’s also a great snack for any time of day. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee and makes a great addition to any dessert platter. You can even use it to make bread pudding or mandel bread. The possibilities are endless with this versatile bread recipe.

What sets this recipe apart from others is the use of both active dry yeast and baking soda. This combination gives the bread a light and airy texture while also allowing it to rise properly. The dough is easy to work with and can be shaped into different forms, such as a loaf or rolls.

Overall, Grandma’s Raisin Bread Recipe is the best recipe for cinnamon raisin bread that you’ll ever find. It’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile. You can make it for your family, friends, or even as a gift. Trust me when I say that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your family’s cookbook too.

Ingredient List

Before we start baking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, you won’t need anything fancy or hard to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 4 cups of flour
• 2 cups of raisins
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of shortening
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1/4 cup of warm milk
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 2 eggs, beaten

All the ingredients can be found in any grocery store, and some of them you might already have in your pantry. Don’t forget to measure everything accurately to ensure the perfect outcome.

The Recipe How-To

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making Grandma’s Raisin Bread recipe! Here’s how to make it step-by-step:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raisins
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 package of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup milk, scalded and cooled

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the raisins and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add in the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar to the bowl with the raisins and water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add in the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
5. Add the sugar and butter mixture to the bowl with the raisins and yeast. Mix well.
6. Gradually add in the flour and shortening, alternating between the two, until everything is well combined.
7. Add in the scalded and cooled milk and mix well.
8. Stir in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
9. Transfer the dough to the greased loaf pan.
10. Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Congratulations! You’ve just made Grandma’s Raisin Bread recipe.

Substitutions and Variations

This Grandma’s Raisin Bread Recipe is already a classic, but there are a few substitutions and variations you can try to make it even more exciting.

Firstly, if you don’t have raisins on hand, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.

If you prefer a spicier bread, you can increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in the recipe. You can also add a pinch of ginger or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.

For a healthier version of this bread, you can substitute some of the white flour with whole wheat flour or use a gluten-free flour blend. You can also reduce the amount of sugar and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

If you want to take this recipe to the next level, you can try making different variations of this bread. For example, you can make a cinnamon raisin bread by adding more cinnamon and using only raisins as the dried fruit. You can also make an Irish soda bread by replacing the yeast with baking soda and buttermilk.

Other variations you can try include pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, date nut bread, banana bread, cinnamon bread, or chocolate chip bread. All of these variations are easy to make and can be adapted to your taste preferences.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to variations and substitutions for this Grandma’s Raisin Bread Recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Serving and Pairing

Grandma’s Raisin Bread is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many ways. The sweet and dense bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a dessert. One of the best ways to serve this bread is by toasting it and spreading some butter on top while it’s still warm. The butter melts and creates a deliciously irresistible combination with the raisins.

For a more indulgent treat, try using the bread in a bread pudding recipe. The raisins add a sweet and chewy texture to the pudding, making it a perfect dessert for a cozy family dinner.

If you’re looking for a savory pairing, try serving the raisin bread with some aged cheddar cheese or a soft brie. The sweetness of the raisins complements the sharpness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

For a healthier option, you can serve the raisin bread with some fresh fruit or a fruit compote. The sweetness of the bread pairs well with the natural sweetness of the fruit, making it a perfect snack or breakfast option.

Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use the raisin bread to make a unique sandwich. Try pairing it with some sliced turkey, lettuce, and mustard for a delicious and unexpected lunch option.

No matter how you decide to serve it, Grandma’s Raisin Bread is a classic bread that will never go out of style. Its versatility and sweet flavor make it a perfect addition to any meal or occasion.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Grandma’s Raisin Bread Recipe is a perfect treat that can be made ahead of time and stored for later. You can prepare the dough in advance, let it rise, and then store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. This is particularly convenient if you want to serve fresh bread in the morning, but don’t want to get up early to make it.

To store the bread, let it cool completely after baking and then wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat the bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), wrap the bread in aluminum foil, and heat it for 10-15 minutes until warm.

Another great way to use leftover raisin bread is to make bread pudding. It’s a classic dessert that is easy to make and is a great way to use up any leftover bread. To make bread pudding, cut the raisin bread into cubes and place it in a baking dish. Beat together eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, and pour the mixture over the bread. Let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid, and then bake at 350°F (180°C) for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.

In addition to bread pudding, you can also use the leftover bread to make other delicious treats such as mandel bread, cinnamon toast, or French toast. The possibilities are endless!

Overall, Grandma’s Raisin Bread Recipe is a versatile and delicious bread that can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, or stored for later. Whether you choose to make it ahead of time or use the leftovers for other recipes, this bread is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

Tips for Perfect Results

When making Grandma’s Raisin Bread recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to ensure the best results possible. Here are some of my top tips:

First, make sure you measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even small variations in ingredient amounts can affect the final product. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off ingredients like flour and sugar.

Next, be patient with the rising times. Raisin bread requires two rises, and it’s important to give the dough enough time to double in size each time. This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Don’t rush the process or your bread won’t be as light and fluffy.

When adding the raisins to the dough, make sure they’re evenly distributed. I like to mix them in by hand rather than using the mixer, as this helps me ensure that each raisin is evenly spaced throughout the dough.

Another tip is to use a loaf pan that’s the right size. Too small and your bread will overflow and be dense, too large and it may not rise properly. Use a 9×5 inch loaf pan for this recipe.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of raisins or even other dried fruits. I’ve made this recipe with golden raisins, cranberries, and even chopped dates and it always turns out delicious.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best Grandma’s Raisin Bread you’ve ever tasted.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Grandma’s Raisin Bread Recipe is a true treasure that has been passed down through generations. This recipe is easy to make and the ingredients are readily available. The bread is moist, fluffy, and has a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The aroma of cinnamon and raisins will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to enjoy a warm slice of bread for breakfast, make a delicious bread pudding, or simply have a snack with a cup of coffee or tea. With so many variations and substitutions, you can make this recipe your own and experiment with different flavors.

I highly recommend that you try this recipe and add it to your cookbook. It is not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to honor and preserve the memories and traditions of your own family. So, get your apron on, grab your wooden spoon and start baking some Grandma’s Raisin Bread. You won’t regret it!

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