Cranberry & Raisin Swirl Bread is a delightful, fragrant treat that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of golden raisins in a beautifully twisted loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, this soft and slightly sweet bread is bursting with flavor in every bite. The vibrant fruit filling creates a stunning swirl pattern inside, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 300 grams all-purpose flour (2½ cups)
- 150 ml warm milk (⅔ cup)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 50 grams sugar (¼ cup)
- 1 egg
- 50 grams unsalted butter, softened (¼ cup)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 100 grams dried cranberries (⅔ cup)
- 100 grams golden raisins (⅔ cup)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions
Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (150 ml), active dry yeast (2 teaspoons), and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (300 grams), the remaining sugar (50 grams), and salt (½ teaspoon).
- Add the yeast mixture, 1 egg, and softened butter (50 grams). Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, soak the dried cranberries and raisins (100 grams each) in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up. Drain well and pat dry.
Shape the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
- Sprinkle the cranberries and raisins evenly over the dough.
Roll and Twist the Dough:
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side, forming a log shape.
- Slice the dough log in half lengthwise, exposing the layers of fruit inside.
- Twist the two halves of dough together, ensuring the fruit is visible in the swirl pattern.
Second Rise:
- Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the bread for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with butter or cream cheese for extra richness.
- Enjoy with a dollop of jam or honey for a sweet twist.
- Serve as a snack alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.
- Perfect for brunch when paired with savory dishes like eggs or sausage.
Tips
- Plump the dried fruit: Soaking the cranberries and raisins in warm water helps them plump up and become juicier, preventing them from becoming too dry in the bread.
- Don’t rush the rises: Allow the dough to rise fully during both the first and second rise. This ensures a light and fluffy texture in the finished bread.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and baking.
- Use a sharp knife to slice: When cutting the dough log in half, use a sharp knife to get clean cuts and maintain the swirl pattern.
Nutritional Benefits
This Cranberry & Raisin Swirl Bread is not only delicious but also offers some health benefits from the fruits it contains. Both cranberries and raisins are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, which help support digestion and immune health. Cranberries, in particular, are known for their ability to support urinary tract health. Raisins are rich in iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells. While this bread does contain sugar and butter, the inclusion of dried fruits provides a natural sweetness and a dose of nutrients, making it a more balanced treat.
Conclusion
Cranberry & Raisin Swirl Bread is a delightful and visually stunning baked good that brings together the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of raisins, and the softness of homemade dough. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this bread is easy to make and offers a beautiful swirl pattern that will impress your guests. The mix of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy your cravings and brighten up your table. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature with your favorite spread or just as it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use other dried fruits?
Yes, you can substitute cranberries and raisins with dried cherries, blueberries, or apricots for a different flavor combination. -
Can I make this bread without the egg wash?
Yes, the egg wash is optional but gives the bread a beautiful golden finish. If you skip it, the bread will still be delicious. -
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread once it has cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving. -
How long will this bread last?
The bread will stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it soft. -
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake it the next day. -
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour for a heartier bread. However, this may affect the texture. -
Is this bread sweet?
It has a slight sweetness, but it’s not overly sweet. The cranberries and raisins provide a natural sweetness to complement the dough. -
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9×5 inch loaf pan works well, but you can also use an 8×8-inch square pan if that’s what you have. -
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the filling for a bit of crunch and extra flavor. -
How can I make this bread even more flavorful?
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or filling to enhance the flavor profile. You can also add a drizzle of glaze on top once it’s baked for added sweetness.