Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt.
- Melt the butter and add it to the flour mixture.
- Pour in the activated yeast mixture and knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate Raisins:
- Knead the raisins into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Allow the dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the raisin bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy the sweet and flavorful homemade raisin bread.
This detailed guide provides step-by-step instructions to ensure a delicious and perfectly baked raisin bread. Whether served toasted with butter or enjoyed on its own, this bread is sure to be a delightful treat for any occasion.