If you’ve ever wished you could savor the warm, sweet aroma of homemade bread without spending hours kneading, then this No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine cutting into a soft, tender loaf filled with plump raisins and swirls of cinnamon, all achieved through a simple, hands-off process that brings out incredible flavor and texture. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy the comfort of fresh-baked bread without the hassle, delivering a loaf with a beautifully golden crust and a moist, fragrant crumb every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe is how it uses straightforward pantry staples to create a loaf bursting with flavor and character. Each ingredient plays a crucial role – flour for structure, yeast to work its magic in the rise, cinnamon and sugars for warmth and sweetness, and raisins for that delightful burst of natural sweetness with every bite.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a tender crumb and sturdy loaf.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the cinnamon and raisins.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavors and strengthens the dough’s texture.
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast: The secret behind the lovely rise without kneading.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Bursts of juicy sweetness that complement the warm cinnamon.
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough with inviting warmth and depth.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: A rich sweetness with caramel notes used for the cinnamon swirl.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Combined with brown sugar to create the signature cinnamon swirl throughout the bread.
How to Make No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining your flour, granulated sugar, salt, instant yeast, raisins, and first touch of cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. This blend of dry ingredients will develop into a fragrant base that’s ready to spring to life. Then, gradually pour in the warm water, gently stirring until you see a shaggy dough forming. This loose mixture is the foundation for your bread’s airy texture.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, producing bubbles and doubling the dough’s size. The long rest also allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in a bread that tastes as amazing as it smells.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Once your dough is bubbly, turn it out onto a floured surface. Sprinkle the brown sugar and additional cinnamon evenly over the dough. Then, gently fold the dough a few times to create those irresistible cinnamon swirls without deflating all the beautiful air bubbles you’ve developed.
Step 4: Shape and Rest the Loaf
Shape your dough into a round loaf and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Cover it loosely and let it rest again for 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. This method ensures your bread will have the ideal crust and crumb.
Step 5: Bake Your Bread
Carefully transfer the dough with the parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven and cover it. Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is stunningly golden brown. The result is a crust with just the right crispness, encasing a soft and tender interior.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, gently remove your loaf from the Dutch oven and cool it on a wire rack. Letting it rest before slicing allows the crumb to set, ensuring every slice holds its shape beautifully and the flavors fully shine through.
How to Serve No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread is wonderful on its own, adding a light spread of butter or cream cheese takes it to another level. For a bit of extra sweetness, drizzle with honey or sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or apple slices can add freshness that balances the cinnamon’s warmth.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon raisin bread pairs amazingly well with a warm bowl of spiced oatmeal or a cup of rich, dark coffee. If you’re serving it at breakfast or brunch, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt to round out the meal with protein and creaminess, making it more substantial and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn slices of this No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe into fabulous French toast by dipping them in an egg custard and frying until golden. For an elegant touch, layer toasted slices with mascarpone and fresh berries, or cube the bread and bake it into a sweet bread pudding. The possibilities are as delightful as the loaf itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cinnamon raisin bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to three days at room temperature. Stored this way, it retains its softness and warm flavors, perfect for snacking or quick breakfasts.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the bread before freezing so you can easily thaw individual slices. Wrap it thoroughly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Frozen bread will maintain its quality for up to two months and defrosts beautifully without losing texture.
Reheating
To revive your bread’s fresh-baked goodness, warm slices in a toaster or oven at a low temperature until they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. This quick step will bring back that irresistible combination of crust and softness that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use different types of raisins or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Swap in golden raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to tailor the flavor to your personal preference. Just be mindful of size and moisture content, as it can affect the dough slightly.
Do I need a Dutch oven to bake this bread?
While a Dutch oven helps create a beautifully crisp crust by trapping steam, you can bake the bread on a preheated baking sheet covered loosely with a roasting pan. The results will still be tasty, just a bit different in texture.
Why does this recipe require such a long rise time?
The long, slow rise allows the yeast to develop complex flavors and creates a wonderfully airy bread without kneading. It’s a hands-off way to get great texture and taste.
Can I add nuts or other spices?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and spices like nutmeg or cardamom can deepen the flavor profile. Just add them along with the dry ingredients for best results.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The crust should be a deep golden brown, and the loaf will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, an internal temperature of around 200°F (93°C) means it’s ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like pulling this No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe out of the oven and filling your kitchen with its warm, inviting scent. It’s simple enough for bakers of any level but delivers a loaf so delicious and comforting you’ll want to make it again and again. Do yourself a favor and try this recipe soon – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 13 to 18 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread is an easy, hands-off recipe that yields a sweet, fragrant loaf with a soft crumb and cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, it uses minimal ingredients and requires no kneading, relying on a long fermentation to develop flavor and texture. The bread is baked in a Dutch oven for a crisp crust and tender inside.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
Cinnamon Swirl Topping
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, instant yeast, raisins, and ground cinnamon. Stir together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add Water and Rest: Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring to form a shaggy, sticky dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, or until the dough is bubbly and has doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough.
- Fold the Dough: Gently fold the dough a few times to distribute the cinnamon swirl mixture throughout without deflating it completely.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a round loaf shape and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Cover the dough again and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes, while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside to heat up.
- Bake with Lid: Carefully transfer the dough along with the parchment paper into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. This traps steam, helping to develop a crisp crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the bread turns golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Take the bread out of the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use a Dutch oven that can withstand high temperatures and has a tight-fitting lid.
- The long fermentation time enhances the flavor and texture without the need to knead.
- The cinnamon swirl is optional but adds a delightful sweetness and spice to the bread.
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- This bread keeps well for a few days stored in an airtight container and also freezes nicely.
