Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Table of Contents

Oh, cinnamon sugar bread—where should I even begin? This humble little loaf has been a heartwarming staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember. Picture this: a chilly Sunday morning, sunlight streaming through the window, and the inviting aroma of warm cinnamon swirling through the air. It was on one of those magical mornings that I stumbled upon this recipe tucked away in an old cookbook my grandmother had gifted me. Little did I know, it would become a beloved tradition, not just for me but for anyone lucky enough to step into my kitchen.

As the bread bakes, the sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar fills every nook and cranny, wrapping you in a cozy hug—trust me, it’s pure comfort in loaf form! When you take that first bite, the tender crumb dances on your tongue, leaving hints of buttery goodness and a sprinkle of nostalgia that warms your heart. I can’t wait for you to discover the joy of making and sharing this delightful treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this loaf comes together quickly—even on a busy morning.
• Versatile: It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet dessert!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves this comforting treat.
• Wholesome Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your loaf, making it a healthier option than store-bought sweets.
• Dazzling Aroma: Your kitchen will smell like a dream while it bakes—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  (Gives the bread that wonderful structure. Make sure it’s leveled to avoid a dense loaf!)

• 1 tsp baking powder
  (The magic that makes your bread rise and become fluffy.)

• 1/2 tsp salt
  (A little salt balances the sweetness beautifully—don’t skip it!)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  (Bring it to room temperature for easy creaming. It’s where the rich flavor starts!)

• 1 cup granulated sugar
  (Sweetness is the name of the game! Cream it well with the butter for a light, airy texture.)

• 1 large egg
  (Adds moisture and richness—vital for that tender crumb!)

• 1 cup milk
  (Whole milk is my go-to for creaminess, but any milk will work!)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  (A splash of this elevates the flavor—always a good move.)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  (Adds a touch of moisture and keeps the bread soft!)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for swirl)
  (This is the star of our sugary cinnamon swirl—trust it!)

• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for swirl)
  (The warm, spicy flavor that wraps everything in cozy goodness.)

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Prepare Your Pan

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure a perfect release once baked!

Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This little mixture will be the star of our delicious swirl, so make sure it’s well combined!

Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will be your dry mix, and whisking it together ensures all those leavening agents are evenly distributed!

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy and light. This is the moment where all that sweetness and buttery goodness start to mingle—oh, the joy!

Add the Egg and Wet Ingredients

Mix in 1 large egg, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir gently until all the wet ingredients are well-combined.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix; we want our bread to stay tender and fluffy!

Layer the Batter and Cinnamon-Sugar

Pour half of the batter into the greased pan and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Using a knife, swirl through the batter gently to create that beautifully marbled effect.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will become irresistible; enjoy it!

Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for a while before transferring it onto a wire rack. When cool, slice and serve. Enjoy every cozy bite!

Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep your bread light and fluffy—overmixing can lead to dense bread!
• Swirl Carefully: Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon-sugar without completely blending it into the batter; we want those beautiful, swirly ribbons!

Flavor Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Seasonal Spices: For a fall flair, throw in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves!

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon sugar bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy chai. Slice it thick, serve with a pat of softened butter, or even a dollop of cream cheese for extra tang. For a delightful brunch presentation, serve alongside fresh berries!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can make the batter a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon sugar bread makes a delicious French toast! Simply dip slices in egg and milk mixture and pan-fry until golden brown and crispy. You can also use it in a bread pudding—truly a magical way to enjoy it all over again!

Freezing

Yes, this bread can be frozen! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat slices in a skillet with a little butter until warm and toasty, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave for about 20 seconds, but be careful not to dry it out!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can, but it may change the texture slightly. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a healthier twist.

What can I substitute for the egg?
You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or applesauce—about 1/4 cup should work perfectly.

Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use larger pans or bake in batches.

Is it possible to add fruit to this recipe?
Definitely! Gently fold in berries or diced apples for a fruity twist!

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me in making this nostalgic cinnamon sugar bread! I hope it fills your home with warmth and love, just like it does mine. There’s something truly magical about creating simple pleasures that can be shared with those you hold dear. So, roll up those sleeves, embrace the cozy aromas, and savor the happiness that comes with baking. Until next time, happy baking! 🍞❤️