Sweet Raisin-Stuffed Milk Bread Cakes with Crumb Topping

Soft, fluffy, and delightfully aromatic, these Sweet Raisin-Stuffed Milk Bread Cakes are a beautiful fusion of rich dough, creamy filling, and a golden crumb topping that melts in your mouth. With a hint of yogurt for tenderness and raisins for sweetness, this recipe creates a bakery-style treat that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a special dessert.

The process may look elaborate at first glance, but it’s incredibly rewarding — from kneading the soft dough to smelling the buttery aroma as these little cakes bake to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 240 ml; should be warm to the touch, not hot)
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (room temperature; adds moisture and flavor)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast (instant yeast preferred)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
• 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour (approximately 420–480 g, added gradually)

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or potato starch)
• ½ cup raisins (soaked in warm water or rum for 10 minutes, then drained)
• (Note: The word “sample” in the original recipe likely refers to additional flour or sugar — we’ll use sugar here for sweetness.)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 50 g (¼ cup) softened butter
• 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 50 g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour

For Brushing:

• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the warm milk. Make sure it’s about 100–110°F (37–43°C). Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will slow its activation.
2. Stir in sugar, salt, yogurt, and dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to use.

Tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam, discard the mixture and start again with fresh yeast — this step is crucial for a well-risen dough.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Once the yeast is active, add one egg and vegetable oil to the bowl.
2. Whisk gently until well combined — the mixture should look smooth and slightly creamy.

Step 3: Form the Dough

1. Begin adding flour gradually, one cup at a time, mixing with a spoon or dough hook after each addition.
2. Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands (or continue with a stand mixer on low speed) to knead it for about 8–10 minutes, adding flour as needed.
3. You’re aiming for a soft, smooth, and slightly tacky dough that doesn’t stick excessively to your fingers.

Tip: Avoid adding too much flour — a soft dough results in a lighter, fluffier bread.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

1. Lightly oil the inside of your mixing bowl and place the dough inside.
2. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
3. Leave it in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Proofing Tip: If your kitchen is cool, preheat your oven for 2 minutes, turn it off, and place the covered dough inside the slightly warm oven to rise.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises:

1. In a small bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, and raisins.
2. If you’d like a creamier texture, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of softened butter to the filling mixture.
3. Stir well and set aside.

This filling provides a lovely sweetness and chewy texture once baked, complementing the soft bread perfectly.

Step 6: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, and softened butter.
2. Using your fingertips or a fork, mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs resembling wet sand.
3. Set aside — this will be your buttery topping later on.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles.
2. Divide it into equal portions — about 8–10 pieces depending on your preferred size.
3. Roll each piece into a 24 cm (9.5-inch) circle using a rolling pin. Try to keep the thickness even.

Step 8: Add the Filling

1. Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the raisin mixture in the center of each dough circle.
2. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch them to seal — you can fold them like a small pie, dumpling, or stuffed bun.
3. Place each filled dough seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 9: Second Rise

1. Cover the assembled cakes with a clean towel.
2. Let them rest for another 20–30 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.
3. This step ensures the bread remains light and fluffy after baking.

Step 10: Brush and Top

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk.
2. Brush the tops of each cake with the mixture for a glossy golden finish.
3. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping generously over each one.

Step 11: Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.
3. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.

As they bake, your kitchen will fill with the heavenly aroma of warm butter, caramelized sugar, and baked dough.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temperature. These sweet bread cakes pair beautifully with:

• A cup of tea or coffee
• A drizzle of honey or condensed milk
• A dusting of powdered sugar

They also make an excellent breakfast pastry, holiday dessert, or giftable homemade treat.

Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Warm (Not Hot) Liquid: Hot milk can kill yeast; warm milk activates it.
2. Don’t Skip the Yogurt: It enhances flavor and keeps the bread moist for days.
3. Let the Dough Rest Properly: The longer rise gives the bread a soft, airy crumb.
4. Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can cause leaks during baking.
5. For Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough.
6. For More Richness: Replace part of the oil with melted butter.
7. Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds mix beautifully with the raisin filling.
8. Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight for a slow rise — it develops deeper flavor.

Variations

• Cinnamon Raisin Version: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for a cozy twist.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese with sugar and raisins for a tangy contrast.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Replace raisins with mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly treat.
• Nutty Delight: Add ground almonds or hazelnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Glazed Finish: After baking, drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) for extra sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 260
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Sugar: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of flour works best for this recipe?
Use all-purpose flour for a balanced texture. If you prefer a chewier bread, you can substitute half of it with bread flour, which has a higher protein content.

2. Can I make the dough in a bread machine or stand mixer?
Yes! Combine the wet ingredients first, then add the dry ingredients (keeping yeast away from direct contact with salt). Mix on medium speed for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Absolutely. Substitute 7 g of dry yeast with 21 g of fresh yeast. Dissolve it in warm milk before adding the other ingredients.

4. How do I know if my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size. Gently press it with a fingertip — if the indentation slowly springs back, it’s ready.

5. Can I replace yogurt with another ingredient?
Yes. Substitute yogurt with sour cream, buttermilk, or an equal amount of warm milk. However, yogurt adds a unique tenderness.

6. My dough didn’t rise — what went wrong?
Check your yeast! It may be expired, or your liquid was too hot/cold. Also, ensure the dough was kept in a warm environment during rising.

7. Can I make these vegan?
Yes. Replace milk with plant-based milk, yogurt with vegan yogurt, butter with margarine or coconut oil, and use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) as a substitute.

8. What’s the purpose of the crumb topping?
The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch and buttery sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread and moist filling.

9. Can I skip the crumb topping?
You can, but it truly enhances both the flavor and presentation. Alternatively, sprinkle with coarse sugar or slivered almonds before baking.

10. How do I keep the bread soft after baking?
Brush the tops lightly with melted butter while still warm. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled.

11. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales perfectly. Just make sure to use a large enough bowl for rising, and divide the dough evenly for uniform baking.

12. Why use both yogurt and milk?
Yogurt adds acidity, which reacts with the yeast and improves rise, while milk adds fat and flavor, keeping the dough tender.

13. Can I make one large cake instead of small ones?
Yes. Roll the entire dough into a large circle, spread the filling in the middle, and fold over. Increase the baking time to 40–45 minutes.

14. What’s the best way to serve these?
They’re best served slightly warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.

15. Why do we use starch in the filling?
The starch helps absorb moisture from the raisins and sugar, preventing the filling from becoming runny during baking.

Conclusion

These Sweet Raisin-Stuffed Milk Bread Cakes with Crumb Topping are an indulgent blend of soft, buttery dough, sweet fruit filling, and a crisp golden crust. The combination of warm milk, yogurt, and yeast produces a pillowy texture that stays fresh for days, while the crumbly topping adds a bakery-quality touch.

Whether you’re baking them for family breakfast, gifting them for the holidays, or simply treating yourself to something cozy, these mini cakes are a guaranteed success. Each bite brings together gentle sweetness, comforting warmth, and the irresistible aroma of home-baked bread — a timeless treat that feels like a hug in every mouthful.