Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a delightful Raisin Loaf that will make your kitchen smell heavenly? This easy-to-follow recipe for Raisin Loaf in a bread maker is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the senses. Imagine the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible homemade bread that’s bursting with juicy raisins!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Measure each ingredient precisely using standard measuring cups and spoons.
- Pour warm water (approximately 110°F) into the bread machine pan. The water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it.
- Add sugar and salt directly into the water, stirring gently to help them dissolve slightly.
- Pour vegetable oil over the liquid ingredients to help create a smoother dough texture.
- Add bread flour carefully, creating a gentle mound in the bread machine pan. Ensure flour covers the liquid ingredients completely.
- Create a small well in the center of the flour and add bread machine yeast. This prevents direct contact with liquid ingredients before mixing.
- Select the basic bread setting on your bread machine, typically with a medium crust option.
- During the first kneading cycle, add raisins gradually to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- Close the bread machine lid and start the baking cycle. Do not open the lid during the entire baking process.
- Once the baking cycle completes, carefully remove the bread pan using oven mitts.
- Turn the bread out onto a wire cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing, approximately 30-45 minutes.
- Slice and serve the raisin loaf, optionally toasting or spreading with butter for enhanced flavor.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Room temperature ingredients help create a consistent dough.
- Measure Accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ingredients are measured correctly for the best results.
- Layer Your Ingredients: Always add the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ingredients, and make a well for the yeast. This prevents the yeast from activating too early.
- Add Raisins Gradually: For even distribution, add the raisins during the first kneading cycle rather than all at once. This helps them blend better into the dough.
- Patience is Key: Resist the temptation to open the bread machine lid during the baking cycle. This ensures the temperature remains consistent, leading to a perfectly risen loaf.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming gummy.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra flavor boost, or swap out raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
- Toast for Extra Deliciousness: Enjoy your slices toasted with a pat of butter or your favorite spread for a deliciously warm treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
