If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting treat to make any day feel special, this Slow Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon swirled with sweet raisins, all baked to perfection without ever needing your oven. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples in a slow cooker, transforming them into a soft, fragrant loaf with a golden, lightly crisped top. Whether you’re new to slow cooker baking or a seasoned pro, this bread is wonderfully foolproof, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding their perfect note to the bread’s texture and flavor. From the tang and chew of golden raisins to the warmth of cinnamon, every element works in harmony to make this loaf irresistible.
- 3 cups All purpose flour: Provides the structure and body to the bread.
- 1 tablespoon Dry active yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- ⅓ cup Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- 1 ¼ cup Warm water: Just the right temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it.
- 2 tablespoons Cinnamon: Infuses warm, fragrant spice throughout the bread.
- ½ cup Golden raisins: These juicy bursts add natural sweetness and texture.
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil: For lightly coating the bowl and preventing sticking.
- 1 tablespoon Butter: Adds richness and is used to top the dough before cooking.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast mixture
Start by combining warm water, dry active yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir gently until the yeast and sugar dissolve. Let it rest in a cozy, warm spot for about 15 minutes until the mixture foams. This shows that the yeast is alive and ready for action, setting the stage for perfect rising later on.
Step 2: Mix in the flavor enhancers and oils
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, stir in salt until it’s dissolved, then add the vegetable oil. These ingredients are key for balancing flavor and creating a tender crumb in your finished bread. Give everything a good stir to combine well.
Step 3: Incorporate dry ingredients and raisins
Add the flour, cinnamon, and golden raisins directly into the bowl. Using your hands feels best here—it’s part of the fun! Knead and mix everything together until you have a sticky but well-blended dough. This step ensures raisins are evenly distributed and the cinnamon swirls meld beautifully throughout.
Step 4: Knead and let rise
Knead your dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then lightly coat a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Set the dough aside in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes around 45 minutes. This rise is what gives the bread its lovely, airy texture.
Step 5: Prepare the slow cooker and cook
Line your crockpot with two layers of parchment paper, then turn the cooker on to high heat. Spray the parchment paper with non-stick baking spray to keep the bread from sticking. Transfer your risen dough into the crockpot and lightly brush the top with butter for richness. Cook on high for about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The slow cooker gently bakes the bread so the inside stays soft while the crust forms.
Step 6: Finish with a golden broil
Once the slow cooker timer is up, carefully lift the bread out with the parchment onto a baking sheet. Slather on more butter and sprinkle brown sugar over the top. Pop it under the oven broiler on high for 2 minutes to create a beautiful golden crust with a hint of crunch—an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey complements the warm cinnamon flavor wonderfully. You can even add a smear of cream cheese or a pat of butter for an indulgent bite that melts right in.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making it a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. Try it alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt for a balanced and satisfying treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly for a crunchy base, then add almond butter and banana slices for a nourishing snack. Or turn it into a French toast casserole by soaking slices in an egg custard, then baking until golden. The cinnamon and raisins really shine in so many creative presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves the bread’s soft texture, making it easy to enjoy later without losing its fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice first, then layer slices in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy mornings or unexpected visitors.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. This revives the bread’s delightful texture and aroma, almost like it was just baked fresh.
FAQs
Can I use regular raisins instead of golden raisins?
Absolutely! Regular raisins work perfectly in this recipe and will add the same lovely bursts of sweetness. Golden raisins just offer a slightly different color and a bit of a lighter flavor, but both are delicious.
Do I need to use a slow cooker liner for this bread?
While not mandatory, lining the slow cooker with parchment paper makes removing the bread much easier and helps prevent sticking. It also keeps the slow cooker clean, and it’s worth the small extra step.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the crockpot thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter. However, parchment makes for a much easier release and less mess, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I add nuts or other dried fruits to the dough?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries would make excellent additions. Just fold them in with the cinnamon and raisins during mixing for a personalized twist on this Slow Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe.
How long does the bread keep fresh after cooking?
This bread stays nice and fresh for about 3 days when stored properly at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best option. Just be sure to wrap it well to maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It combines ease and flavor in one cozy loaf that’s perfect for any time you crave something sweet and comforting without fussing over the oven. Give it a try, and you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this slow cooker favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 135 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread recipe offers a deliciously soft and fragrant bread, packed with warm cinnamon and sweet golden raisins. Perfectly made in a slow cooker for an easy hands-off approach, this bread boasts a tender crumb with a lightly crunchy, caramelized sugar topping enhanced under the broiler.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups All purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Dry active yeast
- ⅓ cup Sugar
- 1 ¼ cup Warm water
- 2 tablespoons Cinnamon
- ½ cup Golden raisins
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
For Cooking & Topping
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for greasing bowl)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (for topping before slow cooking and after)
- ½ cup Brown sugar (for sprinkling after cooking)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, dry active yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast and sugar dissolve.
- Proof Yeast: Let the mixture sit in a warm place for 15 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add kosher salt and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture, stirring until the salt is dissolved and ingredients combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and golden raisins into the wet mixture. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until combined.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly coat a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Crockpot: Line the slow cooker with two sheets of parchment paper and spray the paper with non-stick baking spray.
- Shape & Place Dough: Transfer the risen dough onto the lined crockpot, lightly top with butter.
- Slow Cook Bread: Cover and cook the dough on high for 2 hours and 15 minutes until bread is cooked through.
- Finish Bread: Carefully remove bread with parchment paper from slow cooker and place on a baking sheet. Top with butter and sprinkle brown sugar evenly.
- Broil for Crust: Place under oven broiler on high for about 2 minutes to develop a golden, slightly crunchy crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, about 100-110°F for best yeast activation.
- Do not skip the broiling step; it adds a delightful caramelized crust that complements the soft interior.
- You can substitute golden raisins with regular raisins or dried cranberries for variation.
- Ensure the crockpot is properly lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Keep a close eye during broiling as the sugar topping can burn quickly.
