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Home / Recipes
2 hours
4.62 from 13 votes
23 Comments

Raisin Bread

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe
  • 99
by: Joanna Cismaru
06.17.22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Raisin Bread is a delightful, slightly sweet raisin bread with a soft and tender inside. Finished with a shimmering egg wash and a stunning braided design. Sure to impress, this bread is perfect for everyday breakfast, bread puddings or afternoon tea.

overhead shot of slices of raisin bread on a cutting board

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh home baked bread, filling your house with heavenly aromas on a crisp day. This raisin egg bread is no exception! Consisting of sweet raisins and lots of egg, this bread is not only yummy, but absolutely stunning to look at! This bread is perfect for your morning breakfast toast, or it would make for an excellent bread pudding.

Even though this loaf is delicious enough to make for any occasion, traditionally it may be served at Easter or Christmas. No matter when you make this raisin bread, it will be sure to impress! My husband loves this bread, and although it’s a raisin bread, he still makes sandwiches with it and won’t stop eating it! Safe to say, it’s a crowd pleaser and well worth the effort.

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make raisin bread

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card for a list of FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

Yeast Mixture

  • Active Dry Yeast – Fresh yeast will work as well.
  • Sugar – Granulated.
  • Egg – Large, lightly beaten.
  • Milk – I used 2% but any type will work. Lukewarm, not hot,

Raisins

This is optional, but I like to soak the raisins in some good rum! It will make them plump and give them a beautiful flavor. Looking for an alcohol-free method? Use orange juice!

  • Raisins – Any type will work but I prefer golden raisins.
  • Rum – Use your favourite.

Dough

  • Lemon – Get a fresh lemon for juice & zest.
  • Flour – I used all purpose flour.
  • Salt – to taste.
  • Butter – I like to use unsalted to have full control over the sodium.
  • Vegetable Oil – Other mild oils such as sunflower or canola will work too.
  • Milk – Whichever type you have handy.
  • Sugar – Granulated.
  • Eggs – Large.
  • Vanilla Extract – Fresh vanilla bean or vanilla paste will work too.

Note: This recipe will make 2 big loaves, so you may cut the recipe in half if you don’t need both loaves. However, it would make a beautiful gift for someone and they will love you forever.

process shots showing how to make dough for raisin bread

How to make raisin bread

Make dough:

  • Make Yeast Mixture – In the bowl of your mixer add the yeast, 4 tsp of sugar, 1 egg, and the warm milk, mix everything well. Let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it froths up.
  • Prep Raisins – Soak the raisins in rum. You can warm up the rum to make this process happen faster. Use orange juice for an alcohol-free option. Drain them before adding them to the bread.
  • Make the dough: To the yeast mixture add the remaining dough ingredients, excluding the flour. Using the paddle attachment mix over medium speed until well combined. Switch to the dough hook and add 2 cups of the flour to the mixer bowl and mix over low speed until well combined. Add 2 more cups of the flour, mix and repeat with remaining flour. Make sure to mix for about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and sticky.
  • First rise: Spray a large bowl with cooking spray, place the dough in the bowl and spray the dough itself with a bit of cooking spray. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled in size, about 40 minutes to an hour. Once doubled in size, punch it down to release some of the air out.
process shots showing how to braid raisin bread

Braiding and baking bread

  • Shape into loaves: Divide the dough in half. I prefer to braid these loaves, but you can also just roll out each piece of dough into a loaf and place it into greased loaf pans. I prefer to do a 6 strand braid. To do so cut each half into 6 pieces, and roll each piece into long strips about a foot long. Braid as instructed in the post. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Preheat your oven to 400 F degrees.
  • Second rise: Place the loaves on a baking sheet and let them rise a second time until doubled in size in a warm, draft-free environment. Should take about 30 minutes.
  • Bake: Brush the loaves with the egg wash all over. Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
overhead shot of raisin bread on a cutting board

How to create a 6-Strand braid with dough

I love braiding these types of breads because they just look prettier. Follow these instructions along with the photos attached above.

  1. Start by pinching all 6 ropes of dough together at one end. Organize them by placing the two outermost ropes off to the sides with the other 4 ropes in pairs.
  2. Cross the two outer strands, keeping them off to the side. Bring the outer left strand to the center, then bring the 2nd strand from the right over to the outer left.
  3. Bring the outer right strand to the center, then bring the 2nd strand from the left over to the outer right.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have no dough left. Pinch the ends together and you’re done.
a raisin bread fresh out of the oven on a cutting board

Tips on rising your dough

It’s a lot of dough, so keep in mind you’ll need a fairly big bowl! Make sure to keep it in a warm place to let it rise.

Dough thrives in a warm, draft-free environment. If your oven has a “proof” function, then use it. The “proof” function preheats the oven to 100 F degrees, causing a warm, but not hot environment for your dough to rise nicely.

If your oven doesn’t have this “proof” function, I would still use the oven. What I usually do is preheat the oven to 200F degrees, or whatever the lowest setting is for it. Once it reaches that temperature, turn off the oven, then place the dough in there to rise. This will speed up the proofing process tremendously.

slices of raisin bread on a cutting board

How to serve

This bread is beautiful with a simple pat of butter, as is or can used for an exquisite bread pudding! Toast it and add butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon or spread a thin layer of cream cheese over top. Make a sandwich with baby spinach, pear slices, and chopped walnuts then drizzle with honey for an artisanal twist – you can even make a grilled cheese! However you serve this bread, you’re bound to fall in love.

How to store

To maximize the shelf life of your homemade raisin bread, make sure to cool thoroughly before storing. Place in a plastic storage bag, breadbox, or wrap in foil and store at room temperature.

Properly stored, your raisin bread will last about 4 to 5 days.

slices of raisin bread on a cutting board

Did You Like This Bread Recipe? Try These!

  • Nutella Raisin Bread
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  • Challah
  • Easter Bread
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Looking for more recipes? Follow on… My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

overhead shot of sliced raisin bread on a cutting board

Raisin Bread

4.62 from 13 votes
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Rising Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Total: 2 hrs
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 24
Print Pin Rate
This Raisin Bread is a delightful, slightly sweet raisin bread with a soft and tender inside. Finished with a shimmering egg wash and a stunning braided design. Sure to impress, this bread is perfect for everyday breakfast, bread puddings or afternoon tea.

Equipment

  • KitchenAid Classic 4.5 Quart Stand Mixer
  • Glass Mixing Bowl Set (3 piece)
  • Aluminum Baking Sheet (2 pack)

Ingredients

For the yeast mixture

  • 4 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 4 teaspoon sugar granulated
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 3/4 cup milk warmed to 110F°

For the raisins

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup rum

Dough

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 cup milk warmed to 110F°
  • 4 tablespoon butter unsalted, melted
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar granulated
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour add more flour as needed

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg beaten
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Make Yeast Mixture – In the bowl of your mixer add the yeast, 4 tsp of sugar, 1 egg, and the warm milk, mix everything well. Let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it froths up.
  • Prep Raisins – Soak the raisins in rum. You can warm up the rum to make this process happen faster. Use orange juice for an alcohol-free option. Drain them before adding them to the bread.
  • Make the dough: To the yeast mixture add the remaining dough ingredients, excluding the flour. Using the paddle attachment mix over medium speed until well combined. Switch to the dough hook and add 2 cups of the flour to the mixer bowl and mix over low speed until well combined. Add 2 more cups of the flour, mix and repeat with remaining flour. Make sure to mix for about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and sticky.
  • First rise: Spray a large bowl with cooking spray, place the dough in the bowl and spray the dough itself with a bit of cooking spray. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled in size, about 40 minutes to an hour. Once doubled in size, punch it down to release some of the air out.
  • Shape into loaves: Divide the dough in half. I prefer to braid these loaves, but you can also just roll out each piece of dough into a loaf and place it into greased loaf pans. I prefer to do a 6 strand braid. To do so cut each half into 6 pieces, and roll each piece into long strips about a foot long. Braid as instructed above in the post. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Preheat your oven to 400 F degrees.
  • Second rise: Place the loaves on a baking sheet and let them rise a second time until doubled in size in a warm, draft-free environment. Should take about 30 minutes.
  • Bake: Brush the loaves with the egg wash all over. Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe Notes

  1. Recipe yields 2 loaves.
  2. Nutritional information assumes 12 slices per loaf and nutritional info is per slice.
  3. To maximize the shelf life of your homemade raisin bread, make sure to cool thoroughly before storing. Place in a plastic storage bag, breadbox, or wrap in foil and store at room temperature.
  4. Properly stored, your raisin bread will last about 4 to 5 days.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 242kcal (12%)Carbohydrates: 39g (13%)Protein: 6g (12%)Fat: 6g (9%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Cholesterol: 56mg (19%)Sodium: 126mg (5%)Potassium: 131mg (4%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 10g (11%)Vitamin A: 159IU (3%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 34mg (3%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Course:Bread
Cuisine:American
Keyword:raisin bread
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 99

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Gabriela Miron says

    April 17, 2022 at 2:13 pm

    4 stars
    I love your recipe but for some reason mine sticks to much and I have no chance of braiding it. It is definitely sticky but it does not harden up to manipulate it. The only thing I could do was pour it into bread pans. What am I doing wrong. I didn’t add any extra flour because i was scared i might ruin the recipe.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      April 18, 2022 at 10:42 am

      It is a very soft dough but when you’re working it to braid it, you should flour your hands or work surface if you find it’s too sticky. Normally I don’t do it, especially because my counter is quartz and I find it easier to roll without any additional flour.

      Reply
  2. Dolores Pap says

    May 4, 2021 at 4:33 pm

    5 stars
    Really delicious and delightful bread.. instead of making two braids, I baked the bread dough in two large loaf pans.
    The only change in ingredients I made, was to cut down on the amount of sugar needed by half, but it’s still plenty sweet enough for us.. I would recommend this recipe to all..

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team AMJ says

      May 5, 2021 at 9:12 am

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  3. Nora Songer says

    April 1, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Jo! I printed this recipe off last year (love it), but it shows as needing NINE cups of flour, vs. the SIX you have listed above. Am getting ready to make this for Easter, and don’t want to mess it up!

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      April 1, 2021 at 1:55 pm

      Follow this recipe now, it’s correct.

      Reply
  4. Lynn says

    April 3, 2020 at 11:52 pm

    Hi Jo, I am a big fan of your recipes although I have not communicated before! Thank you so much! My question is: Can I freeze the raisin bread?

    Reply
    • jo says

      April 4, 2020 at 10:06 am

      Yes! I actually cut mine in half and freeze it in freezer bags, or wrap it in plastic wrap tightly.

      Reply
  5. Pamela says

    April 3, 2020 at 12:33 pm

    Any suggestions for high altitude..over 6000 feet.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      April 3, 2020 at 12:54 pm

      Here’s a great resource for you: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/resources/high-altitude-baking

      Reply
  6. Gerry says

    April 2, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    Great recipe, if we could only get flour? Can’t get anything in the stores lately. Hope things are better were you are! Need to communicate anyway possible

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      April 3, 2020 at 10:22 am

      I can’t find any flour or yeast either! I feel re-stocks and lots of bread baking in the near future 🙂

      Reply
  7. Michelle Poston says

    April 2, 2020 at 9:49 am

    How would I alter this if I did not want to use raisins but just make it a cinnamon bread loaf? I love your recipes. Use them all the time.

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      April 2, 2020 at 10:01 am

      You can leave the raisins and rum out of the recipe. Depending on how cinnamon-y you want the bread, add 1-2 tbsp to the dry ingredients.

      Reply
  8. Donna Labuda says

    March 13, 2020 at 10:22 am

    I don’t want to braid can I bake in bread pan how many will that make . Did u use 6 for in loaf

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      March 13, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      Depends on the size of your loaf pan. It should make 2-3 loaves.

      Reply
  9. Lisa Van Den Hoven says

    March 25, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    5 stars
    I am making this bread for family Easter this year and did a test run a couple of weeks ago. It was very good! I braided it in four strands, based on a technique I learned for making challah. Also, I used melted coconut oil for my oil and it worked out very well! Thanks for this recipe. Complex, but perfect for a special occasion.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      March 25, 2016 at 1:51 pm

      So glad it turned out, Lisa!

      Reply
      • Lisa Van Den Hoven says

        March 26, 2016 at 6:28 am

        Just a couple things to add about the baking… 400 degrees in my oven was too hot. I had to take it out at 23 minutes because it was starting to burn.

        Also, your recipe says to preheat the oven before braiding the bread, and that would have been way too long for me, as I let it rise for a good 45 minutes after braiding.

        Thanks again for the delicious recipe. Everyone at my Good Friday supper was raving and saying it tasted just like hot cross buns. The lemon zest was really worthwhile. I omitted it the first time, but after including it the second time, I think it makes the bread just extra yummy.

      • Joanna Cismaru says

        March 26, 2016 at 9:22 am

        Glad you guys liked it. Yeah each oven is different, last time I made this recipe was 2 ovens ago. 🙂

  10. Ellie says

    October 21, 2015 at 7:04 am

    Gee, sure looks a lot like challah. (Save for the butter, perhaps.) Funny that Easter and Christmas are name-checked but the far earlier Jewish tradition somehow disappears.

    Reply
  11. Fran says

    December 1, 2014 at 1:49 am

    How long should it take to double in size when you put it in the oven?

    Reply
    • jo says

      December 1, 2014 at 2:06 am

      It will take less time, probably half, but it depends on your yeast and how fresh it is. I usually still keep mine for about an hour.

      Reply

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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