Whole-Wheat Cinnamon-Raisin Bread

Whole-Wheat Cinnamon-Raisin Bread


1. Make the dough:

2. Measure out 1 1/4 cups very warm water(I use soy milk and leave out the dry milk powder) and check the temperature; it should be 120 degrees F to 130 degrees F(not too hot, but warm-I use my wrist to determine temperature). Combine both flours, the dry milk(leave out if using soy or other non dairy milk), egg, canola oil, honey, salt, yeast and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix 3 minutes on the lowest setting, then increase to the next highest setting and mix 5 more minutes. The dough should be soft and sticky.

3. Let it rise:

4. Transfer the dough to a large bowl coated with cooking spray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until the dough has nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour, 30 minutes(time may vary, it may take a little longer).

5. Soak the raisins:

6. Dry raisins will rob moisture from the bread, so soak them first in boiling water until plump, about 30 minutes(I use apple juice for more flavor). Drain and pat dry.

7. Fold the dough:

8. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Picture it as a loose square. Lift up one side of the dough and fold about one-third of it across; press down on the dough with spread fingers to remove any air bubbles. Repeat with the remaining 3 sides of the dough.

9. Add the filling:

10. Mist two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans with cooking spray. Divide the dough in half; roll out each half into an 8-inch square. Brush each square with canola oil, then sprinkle with the cinnamon (it's high in antioxidants!), brown sugar and raisins.

11. Form the loaves:

12. Roll up each square of dough into a tight cylinder; place seam-side down in the prepared pans. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until the dough fills the pans and springs back when touched, about 1 hour, 30 minutes.

13. Bake the bread:

14. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush the loaves with canola oil and bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the pans and transfer to a rack to cool completely.

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Nutrition

Ingredients