Sweet Bread With Raisins Recipes

SWEET BRAIDED EASTER BREAD WITH RAISINS

Steps:

• Prep the Raisins: Place 2 cups of raisins into a small bowl. Pour boiling hot water until the water covers the raisins entirely. Let the raisins soak for 15 minutes, then drain the water and rinse the raisins. Set the raisins aside, for now, we'll use them in the recipe later.
• Heat milk and add sugar: Next, heat milk in a small saucepan over a stovetop burner on high heat for about 30 seconds or so until the milk reaches a lukewarm temperature. The milk should be barely warm at this point.
• Now transfer the milk into a small bowl. Add ¼ cup of sugar to it and stir well until the sugar dissolves entirely.
• Add yeast to milk-sugar mixture: Time to add the yeast! Sprinkle the active dry yeast over this milk-sugar mixture. Stir it in and then set it aside in a warm place for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
• You'll notice bubbles forming on the top once the yeast has activated. You'll also be able to smell the distinctive scent of yeast once it's done.
• Melt butter: Next, melt butter in a bowl in the microwave or on the stovetop. Set it aside to let it cool down.
• Beat eggs and sugar: In the large bowl of a stand mixer, beat eggs and sugar on high for 10 minutes or until it turns foamy and pale yellow in color.
• Add the yeast mixture: Now reduce to a low speed and slowly mix in the yeast mixture.
• Mix in salt and vanilla extract: Continue mixing on low while adding salt and vanilla exact to this combined mixture.
• Add melted butter: Next, add the melted butter that we set aside to cool. Continue mixing the mixture on a low speed.
• Add raisins and flour: Finally, add raisins to this mixture. Now switch o the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer. Add 1 cup of flour at a time until 6 cups of flour have been incorporated.
• Continue mixing until the dough comes together and feels smooth and elastic. This should take approximately 15 minutes.
• Let the dough rise in a warm environment for 2 hours. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to let it rise.
• After the dough has risen and tripled in volume, transfer it onto a floured surface. I used a large cutting board. Split the dough in half.
• Take one-half of the dough and roll it into a log. Then split it into four equal pieces.
• Roll each of the four smaller pieces into thin, long logs (about 1.5-foot-long and 1 inch thick).
• Pinch the ends of all four thin logs together to start shaping them into a braid.
• Braid them into a nice and even braid as is shown in the picture (I have video instructions on my Instagram account under the Easter Bread bubble on how to make and braid this bread).
• Pinch the opposite end of the braided loaf together, then place it on a greased baking sheet.
• Using a hand whisk, whisk egg, and milk together until it's well mixed.
• Brush the egg wash generously over the top of the easter bread challah.
• Repeat the same steps with the second half of the dough by shaping it and brushing egg wash on top of it as we did with the first piece.
• Let the braided challahs rise in a warm place for another 45 minutes to an hour. It will expand nicely and close the gaps.
• Preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake each pan for 25 minutes or both pans for 30 minutes rotating them 10 minutes before the baking time ends.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes before removing them from the pan.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack before removing them from the pan.

TRADITIONAL NEWFOUNDLAND SWEET MOLASSES RAISIN BREAD

Steps:

• Prep time: 10 minutes, mixing time: 10 minutes, rising time: 2 x 1/2 hour, baking time 30 minutes Method: 1 - Combine in large bowl: 8 cups flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, sea salt, raisins, cinnamon and ground cloves, mix together. 2 - In another bowl, add dry fast rising or traditional yeast with 1 cup warm water and 1/2 tbsp white sugar, let rise for a five minutes. 3 - In another bowl add 1 cup of warm water and 3/4 cup molasses mix together, then melt 1/4 cup butter in a glass bowl. 4 - When yeast is ready pour over flour mixture in bowl then start adding the warm water, butter, molasses and vanilla mixing all ingredients together with a spoon or kitchen aid until it thickens then keep adding flour to work dough together, add more water if need at this stage ONLY" this will be done with your hand. 5 - Knead dough, add more flour if necessary until dough is smooth , elastic and no longer sticky and you can hear cracking sounds of the dough when folding dough inward, keep working dough into a ball. 6 - When completed sprinkle some flour over the top. I always draw the sign of a cross a few times on top then cut the top of the dough like a cross then cover with parchment paper and big towel. "Crossing your bread is optional". 7 - Let rise in a warm place on your counter top until dough rises for 30 minutes then knead it down for a couple of minutes. 8 - Repeat this step letting the dough rise again for another 30 minutes. 9 - After your dough rises " DON'T DEFLATE DOUGH" and cut in pieces forming it inwards into a ball, placing dough in bread pans, place three buns in each pan. 10 - Makes 3 loafs of bread keep covered and in a warm place until bread rises half the size you started with or just 30 minutes. Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees F, bake bread for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown or depending on your oven, when bread is baked take out of your pans and place them out on a cooling rack. BAKING TIPS: Sweet bread don't rise the same as white bread and it's a little heavier but ever so good. Grease bread with butter then cover with parchment paper and towel to soften tops. Don't deflate the dough on its last rising because you need the air to stay in dough when folding them into balls. Sweet Molasses & Raisin Bread (One Loaf only) Recipe: Ingredients: 2 3/4 Cups White or Wheat flour. 1 1/2 Tsp yeast 1 1/2 Tsp melted butter, or Margarine Pinch Sea salt 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar 1 Cup warm water. 1/4 Cup molasses and pinch oil in bowl 1/4 Tsp vanilla 1 Tsp cinnamon 1/4 Tsp Ground Cloves 1/2 cup raisins ( more if liked ) 1/2 Tsp White Sugar Method: 1 - Combine in large bowl: 2 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar and salt and raisins, cinnamon, cloves,salt toss together. ( keep 1/4 cup flour to work the dough ) 2 - In another bowl, add dry fast rising yeast with 1/2 cup warm water and 1/2 tsp white sugar, stir together, Let rise for a five minutes. 3 - In another bowl add pinch oil then molasses, in another bowl add butter then melt. 4 - Pour yeast mixture over flour mixture in bowl then start adding the warm water and butter, molasses and vanilla mixing all ingredients together with a spoon or your hand until it thickens then keep adding flour to work dough together,add more water if need. This will be done with your hand. 5 - Knead dough, add more flour if necessary until dough is smooth , elastic and no longer sticky and you can hear cracking of the dough when folding dough. Keep working dough into a ball. 6 - When completed sprinkle some flour over the top. I always draw the sign of a cross a few times on top then cut the top of the dough like a cross then cover with wax paper or parchment paper and a towel. Crossing your bread is optional. 7 - Let rise in a warm place until dough rises for half an hour then knead it down. 8 - Repeat this step letting the dough rise again for another 1/2 hour. 9 - After your dough rises cut in pieces forming it inwards into a ball, then put in your bread pan. Make one loaf. 10 - Makes 1 loaf of bread keep covered and in a warm place until bread rises half the size you started with. FOLLOW BAKING TIME AT THE TIME.

SWEET BREAD WITH RAISINS

Steps:

• Soften yeast in 1/2 cup warm water (add a little sugar to the water). Combine milk, 1/2 cup butter, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and cool to lukewarm. Stir in eggs, vanilla, salt, and the yeast. Gradually add flour, beating well after each addition. Cover and let rise in a warm place until light and doubled in bulk, about 1-1 1/2 hours. Beat down and let rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.
• Turn batter onto a floured board and knead with your hands. Drain water from raisins and knead them into the dough. If dough is too thin, add a bit more flour. Divide batter into 2 well-greased 9x5x3-inch pans. Let rise in a warm place until light, about 45 minutes.
• Bake in 350 oven for 25-30 minutes or until a deep golden brown. When done, remove from oven and while still warm, brush with melted butter. Bread should be very light and sweet.

HOMEMADE RAISIN BREAD

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
• In a large bowl, combine the raisins, warm milk, butter, sugar, and salt; stir to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
• Stir 1 1/2 cups of the flour into the milk mixture and beat until smooth.
• Add the yeast mixture and the beaten eggs to the milk mixture and mix to blend well.
• Add enough of the remaining flour to make a soft but stiff dough.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Butter or oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the greased bowl. Turn it over to grease the entire surface of the dough.
• Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it stand in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in bulk, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Punch the dough down and divide it into two equal portions. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Shape the dough into two loaves and place them in two greased 8-by-4-inch loaf pans .
• Cover the pans with a kitchen towel and let the loaves rise for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until the dough has almost doubled in bulk. Then preheat oven to 375 F.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Place foil over the loaves for the last 10 minutes if they look overly brown.
• Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on racks. Serve and enjoy!

CINNAMON RAISIN QUICK BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1-1/2 cups sugar, soda and salt. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in raisins. Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar; set aside. , Spoon half the batter into 2 greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Sprinkle with half of the reserved cinnamon sugar; repeat layers. Cut through batter with a knife to swirl. , Bake 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Freeze option: Wrap cooled bread in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw at room temperature.

BEST BASIC SWEET BREAD

Steps:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, sugar and butter. Heat until slightly warm to the touch then remove from heat and stir in the yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Mix in the eggs, oil and the yeast mixture. Mix until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and continue to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Grease a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil. Place the dough into the bowl and turn once to coat. Cover and let stand in a warm place until double in size, about 1 hour.
• Use remaining oil to grease a cookie sheet or 9x13 inch pan. For plain rolls, punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll the pieces into balls and place them into the greased pan side by side. Let dough rise for 20 to 25 minutes, or until almost double. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until rolls are golden brown.

SWEET AND GOLDEN EASTER BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, butter and salt; mix well. Add eggs, extract and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; sprinkle with raisins and knead in. Divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each into a 14-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet, and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes., Whisk egg white and water; brush over braids. Bake at 325° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

FINNISH SWEET CARDAMOM RAISIN BREAD

Steps:

• Soak raisins in hot tap water to cover until plump, about 20 minutes, then drain.
• Meanwhile, stir together warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. (If yeast doesn't foam, start over with new yeast.)
• Stir together flour, sugar, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl, then blend in butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in milk, whole egg, and yeast mixture with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead, dusting surface and hands with just enough flour to keep dough from sticking, until dough is smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Pat dough into a 9-inch square and sprinkle with raisins. Fold dough over to enclose raisins and pinch edges to seal. Knead, dusting surface and hands lightly with flour, until raisins are distributed. (Dough will be lumpy and slightly sticky; if any raisins pop out, just push them back in.) Form dough into a ball.
• Put dough in a buttered large bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let dough rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
• Punch down dough (do not knead), then halve. Cut each half into thirds and roll each piece into a 15-inch rope. Braid together 3 ropes to form a loaf, then transfer to a parchment-lined large baking sheet, tucking ends under. Make another loaf with remaining 3 ropes, arranging loaves 4 inches apart. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.
• Brush loaves with egg wash and bake until golden brown and bottoms sound hollow when tapped, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

SWEET IRISH BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. I use a glass one.
• In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; stir into the sour cream mixture until just blended. Fold in raisins. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
• Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a small knife inserted into the crown, comes out clean.