Grandma’s soft Raisins Bread that will warm your heart

It’s early Saturday morning and you wake up with a sweet smell of freshly baked raisins bread. Ah it’s grandma’s favorite soft Raisins Bread wafting through the kitchen and house.

This recipe is so easy to make and everyone will love it. Let me share Grandma’s famous soft sweet raisins bread recipe. Anyone can bake this raisins bread. With one bite, everyone will love it!

I will guide you step by step what to do. Share some tips and also give a variation

Why you’ll love this Raisins Bread recipe

Everyone is different. Some people love sweet bread and others love savory bread. Let’s look at why you will love this raisins bread recipe.

• Soft and fluffy texture 
• Naturally sweet
• Versatile
• Freezer friendly

Baking raisins bread is a wonderful idea to give as a gift or simply as a snack for a Sunday afternoon tea.

 

Ingredients you’ll need

Dry ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon ( optional, but adds warmth)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Wet ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp melted butter ( Plus extra. For brushing)
• 1 large eggs

Add ins:

• 1 cup of raisins ( golden or regular)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

✅   Pro Tip :

Place the raisins in a cup of warm water for 10 minutes. This will help keep the raisins soft and juicy for longer. Soaking the raisins will keep the bread moist.

Step by Step guide 

Are ready to bake? Roll up your sleeves!

1. Activate the Yeast

Use a large bowl big enough to mix the wet ingredients. Pour in the warm milk, sugar and yeast and mix together.

Let it rest for 5 – 10 minutes until the yeasts activates. The mixture will become frothy. If you see no reaction after 10 minutes, the yeast might be the problem. Start again using fresh yeast and fresh wet ingredients again.

2. Make the Dough

After the yeast has created a frothy mixture, add the eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir everything together slowly.

Now slowly add the flour, one cup at a time. Continue to mix the ingredients until it forms a soft dough.

Knead the dough for 8 – 10 minutes using your hands. You can also use a stand mixture for 5 – 6 minutes with a dough hook. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.

3. Add the raisins

When the dough is ready, add the raisins. Gently knead the dough again for 1 – 2 minutes. Making sure the raisins are evenly spread in the dough.

4. Rise

Next put the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour to 1,5 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Dough

Punch the dough down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.

 

Place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, until it rises about 1 inch above the edge of the pan.

 

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.

Brush the top with melted butter while it’s still hot for an extra-soft crust.

 

7. Cool and Enjoy

Allow your raisins bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Try your best to let it cool completely before slicing (we know it’s hard!).

 

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic raisins bread recipe, experiment with these fun twists:

Cinnamon Swirl Raisins Bread:

Roll out the dough, sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mix, then roll up before placing in the pan.

 

Walnut Raisins Bread:

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts for crunch.

 

Whole Wheat Raisins Bread:

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

 

How to Store Raisins Bread

Keep your bread fresh and tasty by storing it the right way:

 

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 days.

 

Fridge: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

 

Freezer: Slice and freeze in a zip-top bag. Just toast a slice whenever the craving hits.

 

📦 Tip: Add a paper towel to the storage container to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess.

 

Ways to Enjoy Raisins Bread

 

Wondering how to serve this delicious loaf? Here are a few tasty ideas:

 

Toasted with Butter or Jam: Simple and satisfying

 

French Toast: Use thick slices for an upgraded breakfast

 

Bread Pudding: Transform day-old bread into a decadent dessert

 

PB&J Sandwich: A childhood favorite with a twist

 

Common Questions (FAQ)

 

Can I make raisins bread without a stand mixer?

 

Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with just a mixing bowl and your hands. It’s a great way to get hands-on with your