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Golden Raisin Bread Braid, Soft, Buttery, and Perfectly Sweet
This soft, slightly sweet raisin bread is light, fluffy, and full of flavor. The braid looks beautiful straight from the oven, and the buttery or apricot glaze gives it a golden shine. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a homemade gift.
There is something magical about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. This golden raisin bread braid is soft, buttery, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for another slice. It is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen feel warm and inviting, and it looks just as good as it tastes.
Why You Will Love This Raisin Bread
- Makes a lovely homemade gift or centerpiece for any table
- Light and fluffy texture that is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack
- Sweet bursts of raisins in every bite
- Beautiful braided shape that impresses without being hard to make
- Can be finished with a glossy butter or apricot glaze for extra flavor

This soft, buttery raisin bread braid is a showstopper for any table. The tender crumb, sweet raisins, and beautiful golden finish make it perfect for special gatherings or a cozy weekend bake.
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Sweet Raisin Bread, Perfect for Breakfast or Tea
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Cake, Cupcakes, Cookies and Tarts
- Method: Easy
Description
There is nothing quite like the smell of homemade bread baking, especially when it is filled with sweet raisins and finished with a golden glaze. This braided raisin bread is light, fluffy, and easier to make than it looks.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 packet instant yeast (10 g)
- 3 dessert spoons of sugar (add an extra spoon if you like it sweeter)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 50 g melted butter (plus extra for glazing)
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm half-and-half milk and water (equal parts)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup currants
- 3 tsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the lukewarm milk-water mixture, sugar, and yeast.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt.
- Add the melted butter and beaten eggs. Mix until it starts coming together.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and beat until smooth. If the dough feels too wet, add a little more flour.
- Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough, knead in the currants for 2 minutes, and divide into 3 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope. Braid them together and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake at 180°C (fan 160°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Mix apricot jam with a little hot water and brush over the warm loaf, or brush with melted butter for a glossy finish.
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Gail
This golden raisin bread is light, fluffy, and filled with sweet bursts in every slice.

Golden Braided Raisin Bread is soft, buttery, and filled with sweet raisins in every bite. The light, fluffy texture and glossy finish make it as beautiful as it is delicious. This simple recipe creates a stunning loaf that is perfect for breakfast, tea, or sharing with family and friends.
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That sounds yummy!
Hope you will give it a try and enjoy it.