There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread wafting through the air. It’s a scent that evokes warm memories and promises a delightful treat to come. And what better time to indulge in this beloved baked good than on National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day, celebrated annually on September 16th?
If you’re looking to celebrate this delicious occasion, there’s no better way than by whipping up a loaf of this fabulous Cinnamon Raisin Bread (quick-loaf style). With its moist and tender crumb, studded with plump raisins and swirled with a generous dose of cinnamon-sugar, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite in your household.
A Storied History
The origins of cinnamon raisin bread can be traced back to Europe in the 17th century, where public records show that people were baking bread with raisins as early as 1671. Elizabethan cooks were known to have baked this treat hundreds of years ago, and it became a popular offering for high tea in England during the late 1800s.
In the 1920s, cinnamon raisin bread earned the moniker “bread of iron” due to the high iron content of the raisins, a testament to its nutritional value. And it continued to gain popularity among English bakers in the 1960s, cementing its place as a beloved classic.
A Delicious Combination
To create this irresistible treat, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated white sugar, baking soda, salt, raisins, buttermilk, an egg, canola or vegetable oil, ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, and milk.
The process is straightforward: whisk together the dry ingredients, stir in the raisins, and then incorporate the wet ingredients. The real magic happens when you layer half the batter in a loaf pan, sprinkle it with a generous dose of cinnamon-sugar, and then repeat the process, swirling the layers together with a knife to create that irresistible swirl pattern.
A Taste of Tradition
Beyond its delightful flavor, cinnamon raisin bread holds a special place in various cultures and cuisines around the world. In New Zealand, it’s affectionately known as “fruit toast,” while in Germany, there’s a version called “stollen” that’s popular during the holiday season.
In Russia, “kulich” is an Easter raisin bread, and in Italy, “panettone” is a beloved bread with dried fruits, including raisins. And in the Jewish culture, raisin challah bread is a staple on Shabbat and during holidays.
Nutritional Goodness
While cinnamon raisin bread is undoubtedly a treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits. Each slice (based on a yield of 12 slices) contains approximately 267 calories, 5g of fat (1g saturated), 52g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, 34g of sugar, and 4g of protein. It’s important to note that these nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
So, whether you’re celebrating National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day or simply indulging in a beloved classic, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and fill your home with the warmth and comfort of freshly baked bread.