Soft Sweet Bread with Apricot Jam and Raisins

### Instructions

#### 1. **Activate the Yeast**
Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and warm milk. Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic on the dough.

#### 2. **Make the Dough**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour along with the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix the ingredients together until a dough starts to form.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process will help develop the structure of the bread. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.

#### 3. **First Rise**
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

#### 4. **Add Raisins**
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and flatten it slightly. Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the dough, then fold the dough over the raisins to incorporate them. Knead the dough briefly to distribute the raisins throughout.

#### 5. **Shape the Dough**
Now, shape the dough into a loaf. Roll it into a log shape that will fit into a greased loaf pan. You can also divide the dough into smaller portions and create individual rolls if you prefer.

#### 6. **Second Rise**
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan and cover it again with a towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has puffed up and is about to overflow from the pan. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** during this time.

#### 7. **Prepare the Apricot Jam Glaze**
While the dough is rising, take your apricot jam and heat it gently in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes a liquid consistency. This will make it easier to brush onto the bread. If you like, you can add a teaspoon of water to help it thin out.

#### 8. **Bake the Bread**
Once the dough has risen to the desired size, brush the top of the loaf with a little milk to give it a nice golden color. Then, bake it in the preheated oven for **25-30 minutes**, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

#### 9. **Glaze with Apricot Jam**
Once the bread is out of the oven, immediately brush the top with the warm apricot jam glaze. This will give the bread a glossy finish and infuse it with the sweet, fruity flavor of apricots. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.

### Tips for Success

– **For a softer bread**: You can use a combination of butter and milk for extra tenderness. If you prefer a slightly richer bread, swap out some of the water for heavy cream in the dough.

– **Add a twist**: While raisins are a classic choice for this bread, you can easily switch things up. Try adding other dried fruits, such as cranberries, currants, or even chopped dried apricots to complement the apricot jam.

– **Make it extra decadent**: To take the sweetness up a notch, you can swirl a bit of the apricot jam into the dough before baking. This will give each slice a hint of fruitiness throughout the bread.

– **Storage**: Store your bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices of bread for longer storage. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature or warm them up in the toaster.

### Why This Bread Works

This *Soft Sweet Bread with Apricot Jam and Raisins* is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The bread itself is soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of sweetness, while the raisins add a pleasant chewiness. The apricot jam glaze on top gives it a touch of tangy sweetness that elevates the bread, making it truly irresistible. The combination of fruity flavors and the rich, buttery dough makes this bread perfect for any occasion.

### Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for a warm, comforting, and flavorful bread recipe to add to your baking repertoire, this *Soft Sweet Bread with Apricot Jam and Raisins* is a must-try. With its soft texture, delightful sweetness, and the perfect balance of flavors from the apricot jam and raisins, this bread is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it for breakfast, as a dessert, or simply enjoy it with a cup of tea for an indulgent treat.

Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon have a new go-to for any occasion!