This cinnamon raisin sweet sourdough bread is one of those loaves that never lasts long on the counter. It has a soft, tender crumb, a crisp crust, and just the right mix of warm cinnamon, plump raisins, and gentle sourdough tang. It feels a little bit like bakery bread and a little bit like something your grandmother would have made, which is exactly why our family loves it for breakfast, snacks, and cozy afternoon slices with butter.

Freshly sliced bread for The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe.

Quick Look at This Recipe

Type: Sweet Sourdough Loaf
Level: Intermediate but approachable
Rise Time: Overnight bulk rise plus a chilled final rise
Total Time: About 18 hours
Flavor Notes: Warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, gentle sourdough tang
Why You’ll Love It: Soft crumb, crisp crust, and a swirl of sweet cinnamon sugar that feels like an old fashioned bakery loaf

Is Sourdough Bread Healthy?

Sourdough bread, especially when made with whole grain flour, offers nutritional benefits such as being easier to digest, potentially lower glycemic index, and contains beneficial nutrients due to the fermentation process.

Is Sourdough Bread Complicated to Make?

Sourdough bread can be more involved to make compared to some other types of bread due to its unique fermentation process, but it's not necessarily complicated. Here are some reasons why:

Starter Culture: Sourdough bread is made using a starter culture, which is a mixture of flour and water that has been allowed to ferment and capture wild yeast and bacteria from the environment. Creating and maintaining a sourdough starter requires some attention and care, but once established, it can be relatively low-maintenance. Now that I have a mature active starter, I only need to feed it about three times per week!

Longer Fermentation: Sourdough bread typically requires a longer fermentation period compared to bread made with commercial yeast. This means that you need to plan ahead and allow for adequate time for the dough to rise and develop flavor. However, most of this time is inactive waiting time, so it doesn't necessarily require constant attention.

Stetching and folding the dough in a bowl for The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe .

Understanding Dough Consistency: Working with sourdough dough requires some understanding of its consistency and behavior. Sourdough dough tends to be more hydrated and sticky compared to dough made with commercial yeast. This can take some getting used to, but with practice, you'll learn how to handle it effectively. After your first couple of loaves you will find yourself becoming more comfortable with the dough.

Temperature and Environment: Sourdough fermentation is influenced by factors such as temperature and humidity, so there may be some variability in the process depending on your kitchen environment. However, with experience, you'll learn how to adjust for these factors to achieve consistent results. During the summer months, I might place my soudough in the fridge to slow down the fermentation process and for the winter months, I will place it in an oven with a light on or place it in a warm stove to help it along. You will find that the more that you work with it, you will develop a "knowing" for what your dough needs.

While sourdough bread may require a bit more attention to detail and time compared to some other breads, many people, including myself, find the process rewarding and enjoy the unique flavor and texture of homemade sourdough.

Baker’s Schedule (At a Glance)

9:00 AM- Feed your sourdough starter.

4:00 PM- Mix dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.

4:30 to 5:30 PM- Perform 3 sets of stretch and folds, spaced 30 minutes apart.

5:30 PM to 7:00 AM (overnight)- Let the dough rise at room temperature until doubled.

7:00 AM- Shape the dough, place in a banneton, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

12:00 PM- Score and bake your loaf.

Ingredients for The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe .

Ingredients for Sweet Sourdough Recipe

100 grams active sourdough starter (½ cup)
350 grams warm water (1 ¼ cups)
500 grams bread flour (5 cups)
145 grams raisins (1 cup)
25 grams cane sugar or brown sugar (2 Tablespoons)
10 grams salt (1 ½ teaspoon)
Additional flour for dusting

Filling for The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe.

Ingredients for the Filling

25 grams cane sugar (2 Tablespoons)
8 grams ground cinnamon (1 Tablespoon)

Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe

Day 1: Mixing the Dough

Hands stretching and folding cinnamon raisin sourdough dough inside a clear glass bowl. The dough is soft and sticky with raisins visible throughout, shown during the early mixing stage on a white wooden surface in a cozy old fashioned kitchen setting.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the active starter and warm water until fully combined.
Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves.
Add the bread flour, salt, and raisins and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Overhead view of cinnamon raisin sourdough dough after rising in a clear glass bowl, with raisins peeking through the smooth surface. A small blue bowl of cinnamon sugar sits nearby on a marble countertop, creating a warm old fashioned baking scene.

Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

Stretch and Folds

“Hand lifting and stretching cinnamon raisin sourdough dough inside a clear glass bowl. The dough is soft and elastic with raisins distributed throughout, shown during a fold on a white wooden surface in a simple old fashioned kitchen setting.

After the rest, begin your stretch and folds.
Lift one side of the dough, stretch it upward, and fold it over itself.

Hand folding a soft ball of cinnamon raisin sourdough dough inside a clear glass bowl. Raisins are visible throughout the dough, shown mid-fold on a white wooden surface for a cozy old fashioned baking process.

Repeat with the opposite side, then the remaining two sides.
Perform a total of 3 sets of stretch and folds, spaced 30 minutes apart.

First rise

After the final stretch and fold, place a damp cloth over the bowl and allow the dough to rise overnight at room temperature, for at least 12 hours.

Next Day

Overhead view of a blue and white floral bowl filled with a cinnamon sugar mixture. The fine, sandy blend sits on a wooden surface, ready to be used in a homemade cinnamon raisin sourdough bread recipe.

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the filling and set aside.

Cinnamon raisin sourdough dough stretched into a rough rectangle on a lightly floured marble surface, generously sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. A blue floral bowl with extra cinnamon sugar sits nearby, capturing a cozy old fashioned baking step in the recipe.

Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently stretch it into a rectangular shape.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Fold the top half of the dough (to the center) onto itself as though folding a letter.

Adding the filling to The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe on a white counter top.

Place a little more than half of what is left of the cinnamon mixture on that folded half. Make sure to save a little bit of the mixture for the final fold.

Fold the bottom half of dough onto the top half and add the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture to half of that half.

Then fold the dough in half "long ways".

Shape your dough into a smooth ball or oval shape. (The shape of your banneton.) If you need a banneton or proofing basket check out this post: How To Make An Easy DIY Basket Liner (Sew Tutorial)

Cover with a damp towel and place the banneton in the fridge for the final rise. For best results the rise time should be at least 3 hours. Chilling your dough before scoring it will be the easiest way to achieving a beautiful score!

Placing the sourdough in a banneton for The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe.

Preparing your bread to bake

*This recipe does not require a preheated oven! When you are ready, simply place the sourdough into the dutch oven and into the oven, and then turn it on.

Remove the dough from the banneton and place it onto a piece of parchment paper.

Score the top of the dough.

Dough that has been scored for The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe.

Place the dough into the dutch oven and into the oven.

Turn the oven to 425 degrees and bake for 55 minutes.

Once the 55 minutes is up, remove the lid.

Remove the bread if it is golden brown or allow the bread to brown for 5 more minutes or until the desired golden color is achieved.

Wait at least one hour until the bread cools before slicing into it! This will ensure that the cooking is complete and you will not have a mushy crumb.

Spread delicious softened homemade butter across your fresh baked bread slice and enjoy!

Try out Idie's homemade butter recipe! How To Make Easy Homemade Butter From Raw Milk

Freshly baked bread for The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sourdough cinnamon raisin bread hard to make?

It takes time, but the process is simple. Most of the work is hands off, and once you understand stretch and folds, the dough becomes very easy to work with.

Why does sourdough dough feel sticky?

Sourdough dough is naturally more hydrated than yeasted dough. With each stretch and fold, the gluten develops and the dough becomes easier to handle.

Do I need a sourdough starter for this recipe?

Yes, an active starter is required for the rise and flavor. If you need help getting yours going, try my guide: How to Make a Sourdough Starter From Scratch.

Can I make this without a Dutch oven?

You can. A baking stone or sheet pan works, but you will need to add steam to help the loaf rise well.

Should I refrigerate the dough before baking?

Yes. A chilled final rise makes scoring much easier and gives the loaf a cleaner shape in the oven.

How do I store this bread?

Keep it wrapped at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or freeze slices for long term storage.

More Sweet Sourdough Recipes

Peanut Butter with Chocolate Sourdough Bread Recipe

Best Sourdough Bread Recipe with Almond and Raisins

The Best Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe

Other Sourdough Recipes

Easy Same Day Sourdough Bread (Beginner’s Recipe)

Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe Without A Dutch Oven

Easy No-Knead Sourdough Bread Recipe for Beginner’s

Sourdough Discard Recipe

Easy Italian Sourdough Flatbread Discard Recipe

Tried this recipe?

I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @idiesfarm and #idiesfarm so I can share your beautiful creation!