For sourdough enthusiasts, November might seem like a month dedicated to holiday bread recipes. But hold on! This month also marks National Raisin Bread Month, a time to celebrate a classic with a special place in many hearts.

The Nostalgia Factor

Raise your hand if the mere mention of raisin bread conjures up memories of Saturday mornings spent glued to cartoons, a slice of warm, buttery raisin bread in hand, with a cold glass of milk nearby. Or maybe it takes you back to grandma’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of freshly baked raisin bread, a promise of a delicious treat.

Despite its simplicity, raisin bread is a powerful vessel for the nostalgia of our youths.

Swirls of Flavor

Most raisin bread boasts beautiful swirls of cinnamon sugar, adding another layer of flavor and making it a versatile treat. Unsurprisingly, this delightful bread arrives on breakfast plates, lunchboxes, and dessert tables.

Martha Levie’s Recipe from Abigail’s Oven for Cinnamon Swirl + Raisins

If you already make our Country Loaf recipe but are craving a touch of sweetness and spice this month, look no further! This recipe transforms your favorite sourdough into a delightful Cinnamon Swirl Bread, perfect for breakfast or a special treat; to make cinnamon swirl raisin bread, roll in a cup of raisins with the cinnamon and sugar.

You can incorporate this twist directly into any Sourdough Country Loaf routine with just a few simple steps. This recipe offers a beautiful balance of warm cinnamon and your preferred sweetener, all nestled within the familiar comfort of a sourdough base. It’s a family-favorite addition to your breakfast table, perfect for toast or even French toast!

Let’s Get Swirling

This recipe assumes you’re already familiar with the Country Loaf process, but here is what you need for the raisin cinnamon swirl additions:

Ingredients

  • 3 scant cups [700g] of filtered spring water
  • ¾ cup [170g] sourdough starter
  • 5½ cups [700g] White bread flour (we suggest Central Milling’s Organic Artisan Bakers Craft, unmalted bread flour)
  • 2½ cups [300g] Whole-wheat flour (freshly ground if possible)
  • 2 Tbsp [34g] Real® Salt
  • 1 cup [200g] raisins (added as you roll the dough or while you stretch and fold it)
  • 1 cup [200g] sugar or your chosen sweetener (amounts to taste; added as you roll the dough)
  • 3 Tbsp [232g] cinnamon (added as you roll the dough)
for Country Cinnamon Sourdough Loaf details, click here

Instructions

  1. During Bench and Shape: Generously sprinkle your desired amount of cinnamon across the surface after patting your dough into an 18-inch (35-cm) long by 10-inch (25-cm) wide rectangle.
  2. Sweeten it Up: Evenly spread your chosen sweetener over the cinnamon layer.
  3. Distribute Raisins: Sprinkle over the cinnamon and sugar (or you may include them in the dough as you stretch and fold it)
  4. Create the Swirl: Using a pizza cutter, carefully cut the dough lengthwise down the middle, creating two long strips.
  5. Roll it Up: Like a jelly roll, tightly roll each dough strip and place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Proofing: Cover the loaves with a damp towel and allow them to rise until doubled in size (typically 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on temperature).

From Here, Follow Your Cinnamon Swirl Country Loaf Baking Instructions:

  • Preheat your Dutch oven and score the tops of the loaves before baking.
  • Bake it like any country loaf, ensuring a golden brown crust.
  • Cool completely before slicing, and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Double the Delight!

Want both a Country Loaf and a Cinnamon Swirl? Roll out a portion of your Country Loaf dough, sprinkle it with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins, then roll it up. Bake alongside your regular loaf for a delicious, sweet treat. Enjoy the warmth of cinnamon and the wholesome goodness of sourdough.

This easy addition takes your sourdough routine to a new level, offering a sweet and flavorful breakfast treat the whole family will love. So, preheat your oven, grab your cinnamon, and get ready to enjoy the delicious swirl of comfort and flavor!

Spice Up Your Slice:

Let’s not forget the fun part – toppings! National Raisin Bread Month is the perfect excuse to experiment with different flavor combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Classic Combo: Butter & Peanut Butter
  • Luxurious Spread: Cream Cheese (trust us, it’s a game-changer!)
  • Sweet & Savory: Peanut Butter & Bananas
  • Honey Delight: Butter & Honey
  • Unexpected Duo: Fried Egg (don’t knock it till you try it – the sweet and salty combo is fantastic!)
  • Fruity Twist: Thinly Sliced Green Apple with a drizzle of Caramel Sauce

Surprisingly Wholesome

The beauty of sourdough extends to its health benefits. This recipe utilizes six key ingredients: whole-grain flour, water, salt, cinnamon, raisins, and your preferred sweetener. Simple, delicious, and good for you! Join the Celebration:

Share your love for raisin bread on social media with the hashtag #NationalRaisinBreadMonth! We can’t wait to see your creative topping combinations.

So, this November, embrace the nostalgia and celebrate National Raisin Bread Month. You might discover a new favorite flavor combination (or rediscover an old one) along the way!

Remember to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #NationalRaisinBreadMonth and leave us a comment below.