Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

There’s something about cinnamon raisin bread that makes any morning feel a little better, especially when it’s homemade. Right!?

Pioneer Woman’s version bakes up soft, slightly sweet, and packed with swirls of cinnamon and raisins in every slice.

I always use warm milk in the dough—it gives the bread that soft texture that holds up well for toasting.

Brushing the top with an egg wash before baking gives it that golden crust that makes it look just as good as it tastes.

Once it’s cooled, thick slices toasted with butter turn this into the kind of breakfast you look forward to all week!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups Warm Milk
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
• 4 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (divided)
• 1 1/2 cups Raisins
• 1 package Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 Eggs
• 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare the yeast mixture by combining the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a bowl.

Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it’s bubbly and foamy.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and eggs.

Mix until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3:

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes.

This helps develop the gluten, resulting in better structure.

Step 4:

Roll out the dough into a rectangle.

Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon, brown sugar, and raisins.

Roll the dough tightly into a loaf shape.

Step 5:

Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan.

Let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size.

Step 6:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the loaf for 40-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 190°F to 200°F.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Proper Kneading:

When kneading the dough, make sure it’s not sticking too much to your hands by dusting lightly with flour.

Always keep the kneading time to a full 10 minutes to ensure the perfect gluten development.

Foamy Yeast Importance:

If the yeast doesn’t get foamy in about 10 minutes, it might be inactive, and you’ll need to start again with fresh yeast to make sure your bread rises properly.

Sweetness Adjustment:

Doubling the amount of brown sugar increases the sweetness, which can be a great fit if you love a sugar-kissed taste.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Cream Cheese Spread

You can’t go wrong with a creamy spread to complement Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Raisin Bread!

A simple mix of cream cheese whipped with a touch of honey and a hint of vanilla can create a sweet counterpoint to the spiced bread.

Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

Fruit Compote

Why not try making a fruit compote with berries or apples?

This can add a burst of freshness and a slightly tart contrast to the bread.

Cook down your favorite fruits with a spoonful of sugar and a splash of lemon juice until they’re smooth and thick.

Nuts and Dried Fruit Topping

For something different, how about sprinkling some chopped nuts and dried fruit on top?

A combination of almonds, walnuts, and dried cranberries or cherries can add a fantastic crunch and richness.

It also makes for an interesting texture with each bite of the soft, chewy bread.

Savory Cheese Pairing

For an unexpected yet tasty twist, consider serving this bread with a mild, creamy cheese, like Brie or Camembert.

The savory notes of the cheese can beautifully balance the sweet-spiced loaf.

Green Salad with Citrus

Introducing a fresh green salad with citrus dressing could be a great way to offset the sweetness.

Try using mixed greens, slices of orange, and a light vinaigrette.

This gives you a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the bread while adding a burst of color and flavor to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Non-Dairy Milk

Use almond or oat milk if you prefer a non-dairy option for your cinnamon raisin bread.

The switch is seamless, and it won’t alter the taste too much!

Sweetness Level

If you like a sweeter loaf, you can increase the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe.

Doubling the brown sugar will result in a richer sweetness that pairs well with morning coffee or tea.

Different Raisins

Switch it up by using golden raisins instead of the traditional dark ones.

You’ll notice a slightly different sweetness and texture, but it’s just as delicious!

Whole Wheat Flour

For a heartier, healthier bread, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

This substitution adds a nutty flavor and more nutrients while keeping the beloved cinnamon raisin taste.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Room Temperature

Keep your leftover cinnamon raisin bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped loaf in a bread box or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days.

Avoid storing it in a warm or humid location to prevent mold.

Refrigerator

For longer storage, pop your bread into the refrigerator!

Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil first to keep away moisture.

This method will help your bread stay good for around a week.

Remember, refrigerated bread may become a bit harder, but it will still taste great when toasted.

Freezing

For the ultimate in longevity, freeze your bread!

Slice it before you freeze so you can easily grab just what you need.

Wrap slices individually in foil or plastic and then place them all in a freezer bag.

When you want some bread, just take out a slice and let it thaw!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Foamy Yeast

Make sure your yeast is foamy before using it!

When the yeast is not active, the bread will not rise well.

Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Kneading Time

Don’t rush through the kneading process.

Knead the dough for a full 10 minutes.

This helps develop the gluten that gives the bread its structure.

Additional Flour

Avoid adding extra flour even if the dough feels sticky.

Adding more flour can lead to a dense and heavy loaf.

Trust the process, and the results will be light and fluffy.