1/4 cup butter, softened …………………… 1-1/3 cups sugar, divided
1 egg ……………………………………..….. 2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder ………………... 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt …………………………… 1/2 cup raisins **
1 cup buttermilk or sour cream………...…...2 tsp ground cinnamon
OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup cinnamon chips
***
Preheat oven to 350°F. Put raisins (I prefer golden) into microwave bowl and cover with water (can use orange juice or brandy instead); microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Drain. ** Spray a 9" or 2 mini 5" loaf pans with non-stick baking spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, 1 cup sugar, and egg. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture and drained raisins, to the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk.
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and remaining 1/3 cup sugar. Pour a third of the batter into a sprayed 9” loaf pan (or 2 mini pans). Sprinkle a third of the cinnamon sugar on top of batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon chips (if using). Repeat 2 more layers.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. ***
TIP: Put the loaf (loaves) on a baking sheet, to catch any spillover during baking ****
OPTIONAL GLAZE: Put 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon in small bowl. Whisk in milk (1 tsp at a time) until smooth drizzle consistency. Drizzle or brush onto warm bread.