If you’re craving a warm slice of homemade bread that’s bursting with sweet cinnamon and plump raisins without spending ages kneading in the kitchen, then this No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It’s incredibly simple, requiring minimal active effort but delivering mouthwatering results with a tender crumb and perfectly swirled cinnamon sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a snack, or an indulgent treat, this bread feels special yet carefree — perfect for sharing and savoring in good company.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but essential to crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the flour’s structure to the raisins’ natural sweetness and the warm cinnamon that ties it all together.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that shapes this bread’s soft yet chewy texture.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to enhance the raisins and cinnamon without overpowering.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure, making every bite satisfying.
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast: The magic agent that works quietly overnight to give your bread a lovely rise.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Sweet bursts of fruit that complement the cinnamon, adding moisture and texture.
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast and forms the dough’s tender crumb.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough with its signature warm spice flavor.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Mixed in later to create the irresistibly gooey cinnamon swirl.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Combined with brown sugar for that perfect cinnamon ribbon effect inside the loaf.
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 the initial 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. This dry mix is where the flavors begin to mingle, setting the stage for your bread’s cozy aroma.
Step 2: Add the Warm Water and Let It Rest
Pour in the warm water gradually while stirring everything together until you have a rough, shaggy dough. Resist the urge to knead because this relaxed method is the heart of the No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe. Cover the bowl, then let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours so the dough can bubble up and double in size — this slow fermentation develops deep flavor and a wonderfully tender crumb.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and extra teaspoon of cinnamon over the top. This is where the “cinnamon swirl” magic starts to happen.
Step 4: Fold in the Cinnamon Swirl
Gently fold the dough a few times to distribute that cinnamon-sugar mixture throughout. Take your time here; you want beautiful ribbons of sweetness without deflating the dough’s airy bubbles.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Carefully shape your enhanced dough into a round loaf and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Cover it loosely and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes while you preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Don’t forget to heat your Dutch oven inside the oven as it warms up to create that perfect baking environment.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
With your Dutch oven hot and ready, transfer the dough (on the parchment) into it, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. This method locks in moisture to develop a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Step 7: Finish Baking
Remove the lid and bake the bread for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for that stunning golden-brown color that signals it’s perfectly baked and ready to come out.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Lift the bread from the Dutch oven onto a wire rack and let it cool before slicing. This resting time helps set the texture and makes it easier to cut beautiful slices ready to enjoy.
How to Serve No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While the No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe shines on its own, a little extra butter or a touch of honey melts on warm slices to elevate it to next-level comfort food. Try spreading cream cheese for tangy contrast or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy morning snack or light dessert. For a heartier meal, it complements sharp cheeses and fruity jams beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser at brunch or casual gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice and lightly toast the bread for a cinnamon raisin french toast or use it as a base for an open-faced sandwich with ricotta, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s also fabulous cubed into salads or bread puddings for added sweetness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep the bread soft and fresh for a couple of days at room temperature. This helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
The No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice first, then store slices in a freezer bag with parchment paper between them. This way, you can thaw just the slices you want without having to defrost the whole loaf.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked magic, warm slices in a toaster or oven until just heated through. This revives the soft interior and crispy edges, making every bite as delightful as when it was first baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dates work wonderfully. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the bread’s texture and sweetness balance.
Why does the dough need to rest so long?
The lengthy rest allows the yeast to slowly ferment, creating complex flavors and a tender crumb without the need for kneading. It’s the secret behind the bread’s amazing texture and taste.
Do I have to use a Dutch oven to bake this bread?
Using a Dutch oven helps trap steam, which produces a crisp crust and moist interior. If you don’t have one, you can bake the loaf on a baking stone or sheet and place a pan of water in the oven to create steam, but results might be slightly different.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and sunflower or pumpkin seeds can bring extra texture. Mix them in with the dry ingredients during Step 1 for even distribution.
What’s the best way to get a cinnamon swirl effect?
Sprinkling the brown sugar and cinnamon over the dough and folding gently several times ensures an even swirl. Avoid over mixing, so you keep visible pockets of cinnamon goodness throughout the loaf.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe enough for anyone who loves the idea of homemade bread without the fuss. It’s simple, soulful, and incredibly rewarding whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started. Give it a try and enjoy the aroma, flavors, and that comforting feeling of slicing into a loaf you made yourself!
Print
No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a simple and delicious homemade bread with a delightful cinnamon swirl and sweet raisins. With minimal hands-on time, the dough undergoes a slow rise, developing rich flavors and a tender crumb. Baked in a Dutch oven, this recipe creates a crusty, golden-brown loaf perfect for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Swirl
- 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 well to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Add Water and Rest: Gradually add the warm water (about 110°F/45°C) into the dry ingredients while stirring to form a shaggy dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours until it becomes bubbly and doubles in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the dough to create the cinnamon swirl.
- Incorporate the Swirl: Gently fold the dough several times to distribute the cinnamon sugar swirl without deflating the dough too much.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a round loaf shape. Place it on a piece of parchment paper and cover it with a cloth. Let it rest for 30-45 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven placed inside to heat up.
- Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the dough along with the parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven. Cover it with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. This steam bake helps develop a crispy crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid from the Dutch oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the crust is a rich golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked bread from the Dutch oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This resting time helps the crumb set perfectly.
Notes
- The long fermentation time improves the bread’s flavor and texture significantly.
- If you prefer, soaked raisins can be used for plumper fruit inside the bread.
- Using a Dutch oven for baking mimics professional steam ovens, resulting in a crispier crust.
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- You can toast leftover slices for a delicious breakfast treat.
