Cinnamon and Raisin Bread Made with Greek Yoghurt

There are days when the kitchen calls for something warm, comforting, and gently sweet, and this is exactly the kind of recipe I reach for. I started making this cinnamon and raisin bread on quiet afternoons when I wanted fresh bread without the long wait, and the Greek yoghurt makes it wonderfully soft with minimal effort. Trust me, you’re going to love this because it fills your home with the coziest aroma and gives you a tender, lightly sweet loaf that feels special but totally doable.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This bread has that magical balance of ease and indulgence, the kind that fits right into everyday life while still feeling like a treat.

Adaptable: You can enjoy it plain, toasted, or dressed up with spreads, and it works just as well for breakfast as it does for a cozy snack.

Easy on the Wallet: Simple pantry staples and Greek yoghurt keep costs low without sacrificing flavor or texture.

No-Fuss: No complicated techniques or long proofing times, just mix, rest briefly, and bake.

Easy to Tweak: Adjust the sweetness, spice level, or add-ins to suit your taste and mood.

Always a Hit: The cinnamon aroma and juicy raisins make this loaf irresistible to everyone who tries it.

Great for Planning Ahead: It keeps beautifully for several days and tastes even better the next morning.

Leftover-Friendly: Slightly stale slices turn into incredible toast or quick French toast-style treats.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of my love for warm cinnamon bread and my not-so-patient side that wants fresh bread now, not tomorrow. Using Greek yoghurt reminded me of baking with family, when shortcuts were welcome and results still felt homemade and comforting. Every slice brings back that cozy feeling of cutting into a fresh loaf while it is still just a little warm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a soft, moist crumb with gentle sweetness, warming spice, and little bursts of raisin in every bite.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, provides structure and keeps the crumb soft but sliceable.
2. Greek Yoghurt: 1 cup, adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1 third cup, lightly sweetens the dough without overpowering the cinnamon.
4. Active Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons, helps the bread rise gently and evenly.
5. Warm Milk: 3 quarters cup, activates the yeast and enriches the dough.
6. Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted, adds richness and a soft mouthfeel.
7. Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, brings warmth, aroma, and that classic comforting flavor.
8. Raisins: 3 quarters cup, provide natural sweetness and juicy texture throughout the loaf.
9. Salt: 1 teaspoon, balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Time Needed to Make This Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Special Equipment You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, but a few tools make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Mixing Bowl: Large enough to comfortably combine and knead the dough.
Loaf Pan: A standard 9 by 5 inch pan helps the bread bake evenly and hold its shape.
Clean Kitchen Towel: Used to cover the dough while it rests and rises slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This process is relaxed and forgiving, perfect for baking with confidence even on busy days.

1. Activate the yeast: Combine the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl, stir gently, and let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the Greek yoghurt, melted butter, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Mix in the flour, cinnamon, salt, and activated yeast mixture until a soft dough forms.
4. Fold in the raisins: Gently knead the raisins into the dough until evenly distributed.
5. Rest the dough: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 20 minutes in a warm spot.
6. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and lightly grease the loaf pan.
7. Shape and pan: Transfer the dough into the pan, smoothing the top with slightly damp hands.
8. Bake the bread: Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
9. Cool slightly: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Tips

Slice the bread thick and serve it slightly warm with a light spread of butter that melts into every swirl. The golden crust and speckled interior look beautiful on a wooden board, especially alongside fresh fruit or a warm cup of tea. Toasted slices develop crisp edges while staying soft inside, making them perfect for breakfast spreads or afternoon snacks.

Extra Tips for Best Results

A few small details can make this loaf truly shine, and they are easy to follow.

• Use full-fat Greek yoghurt for the softest, richest texture.
• Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well, for extra juiciness.
• Check doneness by tapping the loaf, it should sound hollow when ready.

Variations You Can Try

If you love experimenting, this bread is a great canvas for creativity.

Add chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch and contrast against the soft crumb.
Swap half the raisins for dried cranberries to introduce a gentle tart note.
Increase the cinnamon slightly and add a pinch of nutmeg for deeper spice warmth.
Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

This bread fits beautifully into your routine. You can bake it a day ahead and store it wrapped at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the loaf in airtight bags, then toast slices straight from frozen to keep the texture soft and fresh.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few insider touches make this bread bakery-worthy every time.
Let the dough rest fully so the crumb stays tender.
Avoid overbaking to keep the interior moist.
Brush the top lightly with butter after baking for a soft, glossy finish.
Cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 220
Note: These are approximate values.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use low-fat Greek yoghurt for this recipe?

Yes, low-fat Greek yoghurt works, but the bread will be slightly less rich and tender compared to using full-fat yoghurt.

2. Do I need to proof the dough for a long time?

No, this recipe only requires a short resting period, making it perfect when you want fresh bread without waiting hours.

3. Can I make this bread sweeter?

You can increase the sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey to the dough for more sweetness.

4. What kind of raisins work best?

Standard raisins work perfectly, but golden raisins add a lighter color and slightly different sweetness.

5. Can I bake this bread without a loaf pan?

A loaf pan is recommended for even baking, but a similar-sized oven-safe pan can work in a pinch.

6. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The top should be golden and the loaf should sound hollow when gently tapped.

7. Can I add a cinnamon swirl?

Yes, you can roll the dough with a cinnamon sugar filling before placing it in the pan for a swirl effect.

8. Is this bread good for toasting?

Absolutely, toasting enhances the cinnamon aroma and adds a lovely crisp edge.

9. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Freezing the baked bread is recommended, as freezing the dough may affect the yeast activity.

10. What is the best way to serve this bread?

It is delicious warm with butter, toasted with spreads, or enjoyed plain as a cozy snack.

Conclusion

This cinnamon and raisin bread made with Greek yoghurt is one of those recipes that quietly becomes a staple. It is comforting, easy, and full of warmth, and let me tell you, it’s worth every bite. This one’s a total game-changer, and I cannot wait for you to try it and make it your own.

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