Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, a delightful blend of honey, cinnamon, and the wholesome goodness of eleven grains. This Honey Wheat Eleven Grain Cinnamon Raisin Bread is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a nourishing experience that you can easily create in your own home. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can craft a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a thoughtful gift. Ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup eleven grain flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (approximately 110°F) and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- Add honey and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine all liquid ingredients thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, eleven grain flour, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Fold in the raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf, placing it in a greased 9x5 inch bread pan.
- Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it has risen just above the pan's edges.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Optional: Brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash or melted butter for a golden crust.
- Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Activate the Yeast Properly: Ensure your warm water is around 110°F for optimal yeast activation. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it's too cold, it won't activate properly.
- Knead with Care: Kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes is crucial for developing gluten, which gives your bread its structure. Don’t rush this step!
- Rise in a Warm Place: For the best results, let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. If it’s not quite there, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps maintain the bread's texture and prevents it from becoming gummy.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
