Apple Raisin Bread Recipe

Ingredients for Apple Raisin Bread

• Active Dry Yeast
• Warm Water
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup applesauce (or apple butter)
• 1/4 cup honey
• Vegetable Oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• All Purpose Flour
• 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended)
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Cornmeal, for sprinkling
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Make Apple Raisin Bread

1. In a small bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F), and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup applesauce (or apple butter), 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup warm water.
3. Stir in the yeast mixture until well combined.
4. Gradually add 4-5 cups all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly greased large bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
7. Punch down the dough and turn it over in the bowl. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended), 1 cup raisins, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
9. Divide the dough into three equal portions.
10. Knead one-third of the apple-raisin mixture into each portion of dough.
11. Shape each portion into a round loaf.
12. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and sprinkle with cornmeal.
13. Place each loaf into a prepared pan.
14. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
15. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
16. Brush each loaf with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).
17. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
18. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.