Homemade Bread Machine Malted Loaf: A Step-by-Step Guide

Homemade bread has an irresistible charm that often surpasses store-bought varieties in flavor, aroma, and satisfaction. Among the many delightful breads you can make at home, a malted loaf with golden raisins stands out for its unique taste and texture. Using a bread machine simplifies the process, making it accessible even for beginners. This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating a perfect malted loaf with golden raisins using a bread machine, including a detailed recipe with both U.S. and metric measurements, tips on shelf life, and methods for storing, freezing, and thawing your bread.

1. Introduction to Malted Loaf with Golden Raisins

A malted loaf is a type of bread that incorporates malt extract or malted barley flour, giving it a distinct, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. Adding golden raisins enhances this flavor profile with bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy texture. This loaf is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even paired with savory dishes.

2. Benefits of Using a Bread Machine

Using a bread machine to make bread at home offers several advantages:

• Convenience — The machine handles the mixing, kneading, and baking, freeing up your time.
• Consistency — It ensures uniform mixing and kneading, leading to consistent results.
• Versatility — Bread machines often have settings for different types of bread, doughs, and even jams.

3. Ingredients and Tools Needed

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360g) bread flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) malted barley flour or 2 tablespoons (30g) malt extract
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5g) salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5g) instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (150g) golden raisins

Tools:

• Bread machine
• Measuring cups and spoons or kitchen scale
• Spatula

4. Easy Basic Recipe: U.S. and Metric Measures

U.S. Measures:

1. Wet Ingredients —
   • 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
   • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2. Dry Ingredients —
   • 3 cups bread flour
   • 1/2 cup malted barley flour or 2 tablespoons malt extract
   • 1/4 cup sugar
   • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
   • 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
3. Add-Ins —
   • 1 cup golden raisins

Metric Measures:

1. Wet Ingredients —
   • 300ml warm water (45°C)
   • 60g unsalted butter, softened
2. Dry Ingredients —
   • 360g bread flour
   • 60g malted barley flour or 30g malt extract
   • 50g sugar
   • 7.5g salt
   • 7.5g instant yeast
3. Add-Ins —
   • 150g golden raisins

5. Baking Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Machine — Ensure your bread machine’s pan and paddle are clean and properly attached.
2. Add Wet Ingredients — Pour the warm water and softened butter into the bread machine pan.
3. Add Dry Ingredients — Carefully add the bread flour, malted barley flour (or malt extract), sugar, and salt into the pan. Make a small well in the dry ingredients and add the yeast.
4. Add the Golden Raisins — Add the golden raisins either at the beginning if your machine has a fruit and nut dispenser or when the machine signals to add mix-ins.
5. Select the Bread Setting — Choose the basic or white bread setting on your machine, with a medium crust color and a 1.5-pound loaf size if applicable.
6. Start the Machine — Press start and let the machine do its work. The entire process usually takes about 3 to 4 hours.
7. Cool the Bread — Once the cycle is complete, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

6. Tips for Perfecting Your Loaf

• Check the Dough — During the first kneading cycle, check the dough. It should form a smooth, slightly tacky ball. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a bit more water.
• Use Fresh Ingredients — Ensure your yeast and flour are fresh for the best rise and texture.
• Experiment with Flavors — Try adding different dried fruits, nuts, or seeds for variation.

7. Shelf Life of Homemade Bread

Homemade bread lacks preservatives, so its shelf life is shorter than store-bought varieties. Typically, a homemade malted loaf with golden raisins will last:

• At Room Temperature — 2-3 days
• In the Refrigerator — Up to 1 week (though refrigeration can dry out the bread)

8. How to Store Your Bread

To keep your bread fresh longer:

• At Room Temperature — Store in a bread box or a paper bag to maintain its crust.
• In the Refrigerator — Wrap in a plastic bag or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Use a Bread Bag — A reusable bread bag can help maintain freshness without using plastic.

9. Freezing Your Bread: The Best Methods

Freezing bread can extend its shelf life for up to 3 months. Here’s how to freeze your malted loaf:

1. Cool Completely — Allow the bread to cool completely after baking.
2. Slice the Bread — Slicing before freezing makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
3. Wrap Properly — Wrap the loaf or slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or aluminum foil.
4. Label and Date — Write the date on the bag to keep track of its freshness.

10. How to Thaw Frozen Bread

Thawing frozen bread is simple and can be done in several ways:

• At Room Temperature — Remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw in the wrapping at room temperature for a few hours.
• In the Oven — Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the plastic wrap, and warm the bread in aluminum foil for 10-15 minutes.
• Using a Toaster — For slices, you can toast them directly from the freezer.

11. Conclusion

Making a homemade malted loaf with golden raisins using a bread machine is a rewarding experience. This loaf is not only delicious but also versatile, perfect for various meals and occasions. By following the easy recipe and tips provided, you can enjoy freshly baked bread with minimal effort. Remember to store your bread properly to extend its shelf life, and don’t hesitate to freeze any extras for later use. Happy baking!