There’s something special about the smell of freshly baked raisin bread drifting through the house.
In our home, this recipe has been passed down for generations, and it’s still a favorite at every family gathering.
Made with eggs, citrus zest, and just the right amount of sweetness, this soft, fluffy bread is packed with juicy raisins and rich homemade flavor.
Whether you’re making it for Easter or just because, this is the kind of bread that disappears fast—one slice at a time.
Ingredients I Use
- 1.5 kg flour (half all-purpose, half cake flour)
- 12 eggs (6 whole eggs + 6 yolks)
- Zest of 2 oranges
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Rum flavoring (a few drops)
- Vanilla flavoring (a few drops)
- 700 g sugar
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 margarine
- 1 tablespoon lard or ½ cup oil
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast
- 1 full teaspoon salt
- 0.75 L milk
- Raisins (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by grating the zest from two oranges and one lemon, then set it aside. Warm a little milk and dissolve the fresh yeast in it with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until it gets bubbly and active.
In a large bowl, beat six whole eggs and six yolks together with the sugar and vanilla sugar.
Add in the rum and vanilla flavoring, then stir in the melted margarine and a tablespoon of lard or a bit of oil.
Begin adding flour gradually, alternating with warm milk, mixing well after each addition. Once everything is combined, stir in the yeast mixture, the citrus zest, and salt.
Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—this will take some time, but it’s worth it.
Add raisins to the dough, kneading them in gently so they’re evenly spread.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
Once risen, punch it down and knead again. Do this two or three times, letting it rise slightly in between for a fluffier bread.
Shape the dough into loaves or braids and place them in greased pans.
Let them rise one more time until puffy. If you like a golden, shiny top, brush with a mixture of milk, sugar, and a yolk before baking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180–200°C (350–390°F) for about 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Let the bread cool before slicing and enjoying with your favorite spread—or just on its own.
