Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
This gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread can be easily made in the comfort of your own home. The bread has cinnamon and sugar swirled into it, and they give wonderful flavors. There is nothing better than fresh bread! There is also a dairy-free version of this gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread.
Do you want to try this swirled cinnamon raisin bread recipe? Of course, you are! This no-knead cinnamon raisin bread will make your house smell incredible. This bread is definitely a winner every time! This recipe is reminiscent of Greenlee’s Cinnamon Bread (not gluten-free). It has a soft texture that will make you want to eat it again and again.
This recipe yields one loaf of oven-baked cinnamon raisin bread. The steps will be broken down to help you get the best results. You only need a few ingredients and patience for rising.
You have stumbled upon the best recipe for cinnamon raisin gluten-free bread. It must be exciting!
Note: This post contains a lot of helpful tips and tricks to make gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread. So, please take the time to read the entire post.
Why This Recipe is Perfect
- This loaf is stuffed with cinnamon and sugar, so every bite is full of delicious flavor!
- Two gluten-free flour blends were tested for this recipe. So, if you are looking for a gluten free bread without xanthan gum, you are in the right place.
- This gluten-free raisin bread is perfect for French toast.
- This delicious recipe tastes like dessert.
- The bread is sure to disappear fast, but you can always freeze extras.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Standing mixer
- Loaf pan
Ingredients
Yeast
- 2 ½ teaspoons yeast or one packet (see notes)
- 3 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 ⅓ cups milk (see notes)
Bread
- 3 cups gluten free flour blend (see notes)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 eggs size large
- ½ cup raisins, feel free to use more
- 1 egg, for egg wash
For Swirl
- ¼ cup sugar white or brown sugar is okay to use
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Ingredient Notes
- Gluten-free Flour Blends: This recipe has been tested with Better Butter Artisan Blend and Authentic foods Steve’s Gluten Free Bread Flour. Because neither Bob’s Red Mill 1 and 1 nor King Arthur Measure for Measure are great in yeast recipes, it was not tested with this recipe. However, the best one is the Authentic Foods Steve’s Gluten Free Bread Flour. It is the one to use to make fluffy soft bread.
- Steve’s GF Blend Note: This flour blend is more starchy than other flours, so it requires more water. This is the reason why this recipe card has a wider range.
- Yeast: Always make sure to double-check that the brand you are using is gluten-free. Red Star Platinum is NOT gluten-free!
- Raisins: You can choose from either black or yellow raisins. You should also note that yellow raisins contain sulfur dioxide.
- Milk: You have two options: regular milk, or non-dairy milk such as almond milk. If you decide to use non-dairy, make sure it is not flavored.
- Butter: Use a butter that is dairy-free, if you are.
- Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs. This really does make a difference in the bread texture!
How to Make Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Step 1:
First, heat the milk (or non-dairy milk) to 110°F. You can put it in the microwave oven on high for 30 seconds. To check the temperature of your milk, use a thermometer. The yeast will die if the liquid is too hot, and the bread won’t rise.
Then, add the honey and stir to help it dissolve it into the milk. Add the yeast. Allow the wet ingredients to sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the yeast does not get frothy, make sure to check the expiration date.
Step 2:
In a large bowl of your standing mixer, add the gluten-free flour, salt, and raisins. Then, mix in the remaining wet ingredients, including eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture.
HINT: Measurement of gluten-free flour is crucial. So, it is recommended to use the spoon method or the leveling method.
To fill the measuring cups, you can also use a spoon. Then, use a knife to smoothen the top to remove extra flour. Or, put the measuring into the flour and fill. Do not pack the flour. Again, scrape the top with a knife to get rid of any extra flour.
Step 3:
Use the paddle attachment to mix the ingredients at low speed. Then, slowly increase the speed as the flour gets incorporated.
Step 4:
Move the bread dough in a bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. Place it inside the warm oven, and let it rise.
Step 5:
It can be difficult to make gluten-free dough rise. However, just let the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours. The dough should double in size as it rises in the bowl.
Yeast Rising Tip
Preheat your oven to 200°F, then turn it off. Cover the bowl of gluten-free bread dough with plastic wrap before placing it in the oven. This is how to make gluten-free dough. Next, let the dough to rise for at least 1 to 2 hours. The dough should double in size as it rises in the bowl.
Step 6:
Take out the raisin bread dough out of the mixing bowl, then place it on a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Note: Avoid wax paper as it can stick to the dough!
Step 7:
In a bowl, combine the cinnamon and cane sugar. Then, melt the butter in another small bowl. Spread the melted butter on top of the dough with a pastry brush. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over it.
Roll the dough carefully. This is how to make cinnamon sugar swirls in your bread! Also, don’t worry if there is plenty of sugar. You will need to use a lot of sugar to achieve the swirly appearance this bread is known for since some of it cooks into the bread.
Step 8:
Lightly roll the dough, then put it in a greased bread pan. You may use coconut oil from a spray bottle to grease your pan. Next, cover the loaf with plastic wrap. Let it rise on the counter for 30 minutes.
Step 9:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Optional: If you prefer your bread to have a golden top, then whisk an egg in a bowl and brush the egg over the top.
Step 10:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven. Then, set the timer for 45 minutes baking time. You can push the digital instant-read thermometer to the bottom of your bread to check the internal temperature without taking it out of the oven. Your bread will be ready when it reaches 190°F.
Your oven rack should not be too high. Preferably, put it closer to the bottom. Your bread will become very brown on top and the bottom will not be cooked through if it is too close to the top of the oven.
Step 11:
Take the gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread out of the oven. Let it cool down slowly. Just place the bread on a wire rack, and leave the bread inside the pan for the first 20 minutes.
Step 12:
Allow the bread to cool for at least 2 hours before cutting it. This will allow the interior to finish cooking and set up. This will be difficult. It will make your whole house smell amazing, and everyone in the family will be trying to grab some bread. But it will be worth the wait, so don’t give up!
Baking Tips for Gluten Free Raisin Bread
- Let your dough rise in an oven that was preheated to 200°F.
- Mix the raisins into the dry ingredients loosely so they get evenly distributed prior to mixing them in a standing mixer.
- Don’t punch the gluten-free bread dough! Gluten-free dough is different from regular gluten dough. The best rise is the first one. You won’t get much more rise once you have deflated the dough.
Recipe FAQs
What gluten-free flour is best to use when making bread?
This recipe used the Authentic Foods Steve’s GF Bread Flour, which was hands down the best gluten-free flour. This bread is fluffy, soft, and tastes exactly like the real deal!
Can this gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread be dairy-free?
Yes. This gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread can be made dairy-free if you use dairy-free butter and dairy-free milk. However, make sure that the milk substitute does not contain any flavorings.
Do raisins need to be soaked before baking bread?
This recipe does not call for raisins to be soaked. However, you can opt to soak your raisins. Soak them in hot water for 20 minutes to make them plumper.
How long will this cinnamon raisin bread stay fresh?
The cinnamon raisin bread can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because gluten-free baked goods can quickly spoil if left out, it is recommended to keep it in the fridge.
Can you freeze this raisin bread?
Yes, it is possible to freeze this bread. Slice the bread once it has cooled to freeze it. Then, sandwich each slice with a piece of wax paper, and place them in a freezer bag. The wax paper will keep the slices from sticking together.
Prep Time | 10 mins |
Cook Time | 50 mins |
Rise Time | 1 hr 30 mins |
Total Time | 2 hrs 30 mins |
Servings | 10 slices |