If there's one way to warm up a chilly day, it's with the aroma of freshly baked Spiced Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bread wafting through your home. This comforting loaf combines the sweetness of apples and raisins with the warmth of spices, creating the perfect treat for fall or any time you crave a cozy snack.
The base of our loaf starts with all-purpose flour, which provides structure and stability. We sweeten things up a bit with granulated sugar that not only adds sweetness but also helps the yeast in its rising duties. The salt is crucial for enhancing flavor and strengthening the dough.
Our warm spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, are the heart of the loaf, adding a cozy, aromatic warmth. The yeast is our leavening agent, to make sure the bread rises beautifully.
We use warm milk to activate the yeast, and the unsalted butter lends a rich texture. The egg helps bind everything together, contributing to the loaf's soft and tender crumb.
For flavor pops, raisins and diced apple add juicy sweetness and texture. Finally, a brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar provide a lovely, slightly caramelized crust.
This bread is delightful on its own, but for an extra treat, try it toasted with a smear of cream cheese or butter. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a steaming mug of hot apple cider.
Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will be your dry mixture, so make sure it's well-combined.
In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is a sign that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Now, pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the softened butter and crack in the egg. Mix these ingredients until they form a dough. It'll be a bit sticky at first, but that's perfectly normal.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You're looking for a smooth and elastic dough. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
Once kneaded, gently fold in the raisins and diced apple. You want them evenly distributed throughout the dough. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
After the first rise, punch the dough down to release any excess air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar. This will give your loaf a lovely, golden crust.
Bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool before slicing; this helps the texture set properly.
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