Cinnamon Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for that perfect blend of soft, sweet bread with a cozy swirl of spiced magic, Cinnamon Bread is the answer to every craving. Whether fresh from the oven or drizzled with glaze, each slice is a hug in food form—warm, fragrant, and richly satisfying. Cinnamon Bread bridges the best parts of cake and breakfast loaf, offering swirls of cinnamon sugar tucked throughout a tender crumb, making it a favorite for family breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with ingredients you probably already have at home, yet each one is key to the irresistible flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. When combined, they bake up into a golden loaf that’s bursting with cinnamon-sugar ribbons—making every bite unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base of the loaf, all-purpose flour provides the right amount of structure for a tender bite without being overly dense.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent ensures your Cinnamon Bread rises beautifully and achieves that perfect, fluffy crumb.
- Salt: A touch of salt sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweet cinnamon swirl.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and keeps the bread moist; you’ll use it in the bread and the cinnamon swirl.
- Large egg: Brings everything together while lending richness and helping bind the loaf.
- Milk: Adds moisture for that soft, luscious texture—whole or any preferred milk works well.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Makes the crumb moist and tender while giving a lovely richness—choose butter for a hint of extra flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and rounds out the sweetness with its classic, comforting note.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, bringing bold, warm spice to every slice.
- Powdered sugar (for the optional glaze): Whipped into a quick glaze, it adds a glossy finish and elevates the sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to set the stage for even baking. Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well—whether using butter, oil, or cooking spray—to help your Cinnamon Bread release easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. The goal is a uniform mixture that creates a light, tender crumb throughout the finished loaf.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Blend these together until smooth. Mixing wet before dry keeps things tender and prevents overworking the batter.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gently add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t be tempted to overmix, as a few lumps are fine. This gentle touch is key to achieving the soft texture that makes Cinnamon Bread so special.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This mixture will become the glorious ribbon of sweetness winding its way through your loaf, creating both flavor and that eye-catching swirl.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining batter, smoothing it gently, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, making sure you don’t overdo it—a few figure-eights are all you need.
Step 7: Bake
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely—patience here ensures a perfectly textured loaf!
Step 8: Add the Optional Glaze
If you love a touch of extra sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled loaf, letting it trickle down the sides for that tempting bakery-style finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Bread
Garnishes
Cinnamon Bread is already beautiful, but a few thoughtful garnishes can make it feel extra special. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even a handful of toasted nuts over the glaze for crunch. These simple touches add both flavor and visual flair without much effort.
Side Dishes
This bread is the star of any breakfast or brunch spread. Pair it with creamy Greek yogurt and berries for a balanced meal, or keep it classic with a mug of hot coffee or chai. For a more decadent treat, serve thick slices alongside scrambled eggs and crisp bacon, blending sweet and savory on the same plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit your Cinnamon Bread to just slices! Try cutting it into cubes for a fondue dessert platter, turning leftover pieces into sweet French toast, or serving mini loaves as charming edible gifts. You can even toast your slices lightly and spread them with softened butter or a smear of cream cheese for a bakery-worthy snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cinnamon Bread keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to three days if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The cinnamon swirl ensures it stays moist, and the flavor actually deepens after a day or so, making a second slice just as tempting.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Cinnamon Bread freezes wonderfully. Once cooled completely, double-wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and slip it into a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight on your counter when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or toast it lightly. If you’ve frozen your bread, allow it to thaw, then reheat as desired. The cinnamon aroma will fill your kitchen all over again!
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl?
Absolutely! Swapping granulated sugar for brown sugar in the swirl brings a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor. It also adds a touch more moisture and richness, making your Cinnamon Bread even more irresistible.
What’s the best way to prevent overmixing the batter?
Mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the loaf tougher, so remember that less is more when folding wet and dry together.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat, and swap the butter for vegetable oil or vegan butter. The end result will still deliver the classic Cinnamon Bread taste and texture.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely—feel free to stir a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins into the batter before swirling in the cinnamon sugar. These additions add texture and an extra element of flavor, making each slice even more satisfying.
How do I know when the Cinnamon Bread is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If you notice wet batter, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cinnamon Bread a spot in your kitchen—there’s nothing better than that first slice, still slightly warm with cinnamon goodness wafting through the air. Whether you bake it for your family, friends, or just as a treat for yourself, it’s a guaranteed comfort that’s easy, versatile, and sure to bring smiles all around!
Print
Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade Cinnamon Bread with a sweet cinnamon swirl. This easy-to-make recipe yields a moist and delicious loaf perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Main Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix egg, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Create swirl: Mix cinnamon and sugar for swirl. Layer batter, swirl mixture, and remaining batter in loaf pan. Swirl with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Optional glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Notes
- You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor in the swirl.
- This bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
