Gluten-free Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a warm, comforting treat that combines the sweetness of cinnamon with the chewy texture of raisins, all without any gluten.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet by choice or necessity, this recipe allows you to enjoy a classic favorite without compromising on taste or texture.
The bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps you’ll need to create this delicious homemade bread.
Ingredients Needed for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
To make this delectable cinnamon raisin bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Gluten-free flour blend: This forms the base of your dough, providing structure and texture. It’s essential to use a good-quality, all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum for binding.
- Active dry yeast: This helps the dough rise and gives the bread its light, airy texture.
- Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the spices and bring out the flavor of the raisins.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the bread its signature flavor.
- Raisins: They add bursts of sweetness and chewiness to every bite.
- Warm milk (dairy or dairy-free): This helps activate the yeast and makes the dough moist and soft.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the dough together.
- Butter (or dairy-free butter): Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to ensuring your bread turns out just right.
- Loaf pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer: While not strictly necessary, using a mixer can save you time and effort when blending the dough. A hand mixer or stand mixer with a dough hook is ideal.
- Whisk: For blending dry ingredients like cinnamon and salt.
- Pastry brush: Optional, for brushing the top of the bread with melted butter before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your delicious gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and ensures your bread will rise properly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dry ingredients. Then, crack the eggs and add them to the bowl, along with the melted butter (or dairy-free alternative). Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. You may need to use a stand mixer with a dough hook or a spoon to fully incorporate everything.
4. Incorporate the Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins. You can use a spatula to mix them into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.
5. Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover it loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
7. Bake the Bread
Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is done.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up, and enjoy your freshly baked gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Achieving the perfect loaf of gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread can be easy with a few helpful tips:
Use a High-Quality Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. Choose a blend that contains a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using just one type of gluten-free flour, as it may lead to a dense or crumbly loaf.
Ensure Your Yeast is Active
Always check that your yeast is still active by testing it with warm milk and sugar. If it doesn’t bubble up within 10 minutes, it’s time to get fresh yeast for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Rising Time
Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size—this is essential for a light, airy bread. If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in a warm spot (such as near a heater or in an oven with the light on) to encourage proper rising.
Add Extra Cinnamon for a Stronger Flavor
If you love cinnamon, feel free to add a little extra to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking for an extra punch of flavor.
Cool Completely Before Slicing
While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, it’s best to let the bread cool completely before slicing. This allows the structure to set and prevents the bread from being too soft or falling apart.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Storing Leftover Bread
Once your gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture. If you live in a warm climate or need it to last longer, you can store it in the fridge, where it will keep for up to a week.
Freezing the Bread
To freeze your bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave the bread at room temperature for several hours or heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will restore its freshness and soft texture.
Conclusion
Making gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread at home is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. With its perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and chewiness, this bread is a delightful addition to any gluten-free kitchen. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little butter, it’s sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a treat for guests. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can easily master this recipe and enjoy a delicious, homemade loaf!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can experiment with other gluten-free flours like almond flour, but you may need to adjust the recipe. A good all-purpose gluten-free blend is ideal because it has a balance of flours and starches that work well together in bread.
2. Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) in place of the regular milk. This will keep the bread soft and delicious without any dairy.
3. Can I add other mix-ins besides raisins?
Definitely! You can swap out raisins for dried cranberries, currants, or even chocolate chips if you’d like. Just keep the same ratio to ensure the bread has the right texture.
4. Why is my gluten-free bread dense?
A dense loaf could be due to under-rising dough, insufficient mixing, or using the wrong flour blend. Make sure to let the dough rise completely and use a quality flour blend designed for bread baking.
5. How do I know when my bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick inserted into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready!
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Equipment
- Loaf Pan – 1 (9×5-inch)
- Mixing Bowls – 2 (for dry and wet ingredients)
- Measuring cups and spoons (1 set)
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer – 1 (optional, for mixing dough)
- Whisk – 1 (for dry ingredients)
- Pastry Brush – 1 (optional, for brushing with butter)
Ingredients
- 2 cups – Gluten-Free Flour Blend all-purpose
- 1 tablespoon – Active Dry Yeast
- 1/4 cup – Sugar
- 1 teaspoon – Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon – Salt
- 1/2 cup – Warm Milk dairy or dairy-free
- 2 large – Eggs
- 1/4 cup – Butter melted, or dairy-free butter
- 1 cup – Raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Incorporate Raisins: Gently fold in the raisins until evenly distributed.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Flour Blends: Use a high-quality, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the best texture. Avoid single gluten-free flours like almond flour or rice flour alone as they don’t provide the right structure for bread.
- Dairy-Free: You can substitute butter with any dairy-free butter and use almond milk or oat milk for a completely dairy-free version.
- Extra Cinnamon: Feel free to add more cinnamon if you like a stronger spice flavor. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the loaf before baking also adds a sweet touch.
