Homemade Raisin Bread

Ingredients

• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
• Warm water (1 cup (110°f/43°c))
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted)
• Egg (1 large)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Bread flour (3 cups, plus more for kneading)
• Raisins (1 cup, plumped in warm water for 10 minutes and drained)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes or until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
3. Gradually incorporate the bread flour, stirring until a dough begins to form.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. During the last few minutes of kneading, add the plumped raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the bread for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.