If you’re on the hunt for something that’s homey, comforting, and utterly irresistible, this Cinnamon Bread is destined to become your new signature bake. Swirled with ribbons of sweet cinnamon sugar, the loaf emerges from the oven beautifully golden, filling your kitchen with a scent that could stop traffic. This Cinnamon Bread walks the perfect line between cake and bread, offering a plush, moist crumb and bursts of spicy warmth in every bite. Whether you’re slicing it up for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or sneaking a piece for dessert, get ready to fall in love with every delicious slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to create the magic of this Cinnamon Bread. Each ingredient plays a distinct role—some lend fluffiness, others a golden crust or irresistible fragrance—ensuring your loaf is as flavorful as it is foolproof.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the loaf, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread its beautiful lift and softness.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to make the loaf light and airy.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances every other flavor in the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without making it cloying; the classic base for a quick bread.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and signature spice, making each bite unmistakably cinnamon-scented.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creates a moist, tender texture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide the right structure.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its fragrant, mellow depth.
- Buttermilk: Ensures a wonderfully soft crumb and subtle tang.
- Brown sugar (for swirl): Melts into toffee-like ribbons throughout the loaf.
- Ground cinnamon (for swirl): Intensifies the swirl’s sweet, spicy impact for those signature streaks.
How to Make Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start things right by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your Cinnamon Bread bakes evenly and releases easily, giving you picture-perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. This step not only ensures your leavening agents and spice are evenly distributed, but it also aerates the flour for a lighter loaf. Don’t skip the whisking—it makes a difference!
Step 3: Cream Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time and the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated. Creaming the butter and eggs first makes the Cinnamon Bread rich, soft, and perfectly tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures with Buttermilk
Add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir gently after each addition, just until the batter comes together. Over-mixing here can mean a tough bread, so stop as soon as combined for max fluffiness.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This fragrant mixture will melt into gooey, cinnamon-filled pockets and create the signature swirls that define Cinnamon Bread.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer. Follow with the remaining batter, then the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl everything together—don’t overdo it, just a few folds for gorgeous, dramatic streaks.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Waiting is the hardest part, but it helps the Cinnamon Bread firm up and slice beautifully.
How to Serve Cinnamon Bread
Garnishes
Give your Cinnamon Bread a final flourish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze. A handful of chopped nuts or a few curls of butter melting over a warm slice take this cozy treat to bakery-level status.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs perfectly with creamy Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit salad for breakfast. If you’re serving it as an afternoon snack, a cup of coffee or hot spiced tea is all you need for irresistible harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Cinnamon Bread into cubes for a brunch platter, or layering slices with whipped cream and berries for a quick, no-fuss trifle. You can even toast slices and spread with cream cheese or nut butter for a grown-up take on cinnamon toast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cinnamon Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen and the crumb stays perfectly moist, so it’s just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, this bread freezes beautifully. Simply slice the cooled loaf, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, and freeze in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—ideal for satisfying those spontaneous cinnamon cravings.
Reheating
To refresh, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or pop them in a low oven until heated through. This revives their just-baked softness and reinvigorates all that lovely cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Bread without buttermilk?
Absolutely. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can swap in an equal amount of sour cream, or make a quick substitute with milk plus a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. The goal is to get that little bit of tang and tender texture.
How can I add a little extra texture to my Cinnamon Bread?
Feel free to fold in half a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins before baking. These mix-ins add a delightful crunch or chewiness, making every slice just a bit more special.
Can I double the recipe for two loaves?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and divide evenly between two loaf pans. Just keep an eye on your baking time, as ovens vary and two pans can sometimes bake a tad faster or slower.
How do I know when my Cinnamon Bread is done?
Look for a beautifully browned top and use a toothpick to check the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your loaf is ready. Cool in the pan briefly to finish setting up before transferring to a rack.
What’s the best way to achieve a perfect swirl?
Layer the batter and cinnamon-sugar mixture as described, then use a butter knife to gently make S-shaped motions through the loaf. Don’t over-swirl or the streaks will blend; a little goes a long way for impressive, bakery-worthy results.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cinnamon Bread, it’s sure to work its way into your regular baking rotation. There’s just something magical about those sweet, spicy swirls tucked inside a soft, tender crumb. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised when you reach for a second slice (or third!). Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of freshly baked cinnamon bread with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, this moist and aromatic loaf is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
For Swirl:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- Combine and Bake: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, and stir until just combined. Create a cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture. Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle half of the swirl, repeat, and swirl with a knife. Bake for 50–60 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins.
- You can substitute sour cream for buttermilk if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
