Cinnamon bread is a classic, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar. This easy-to-follow recipe creates a moist, flavorful loaf with a beautiful cinnamon swirl running through it. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat or a sweet snack, this cinnamon bread is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Bread:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream (or plain yogurt/Greek yogurt), at room temperature
- 2/3 cup (160ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Optional: vanilla icing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This will create a sweet and spicy swirl that runs through the bread.
3. Make the Bread Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg and 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar until combined. Then, whisk in the vegetable oil, sour cream (or yogurt), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
4. Assemble the Bread
Pour or spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle almost all of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top, reserving about 2 tablespoons for the topping. Carefully pour or spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. The top layer of batter may stick to the cinnamon sugar, so use a spoon to spread it gently. Sprinkle the reserved cinnamon sugar on top.
5. Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Using a knife, make a large swirl down the center of the loaf pan to create the signature cinnamon swirl. Be careful not to over-swirling, as this can cause the layers to blend together too much.
6. Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. To prevent the top from over-browning, loosely cover the bread with foil about halfway through baking. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. Baking times may vary, but the bread typically takes about 55 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with vanilla icing if desired, then slice and serve.
8. Storage
Cover and store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. The bread will stay moist and flavorful, making it a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Enjoy Fresh or Toasted: Cinnamon bread is delicious served fresh out of the oven, but it’s also fantastic toasted. Toast a slice lightly and add a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgence.
- Pair with a Beverage: This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. The warm cinnamon flavors complement these drinks perfectly, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon treat.
- Add a Topping: While the bread is delicious on its own, you can elevate it by adding a spread. Cream cheese, butter, or even a layer of fruit preserves can take your slice to the next level.
- Serve with Vanilla Icing: For a dessert-like experience, drizzle your slices with vanilla icing. The sweet, creamy icing adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon swirl.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To keep it fresh, wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the bread longer, keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Be sure to allow the bread to come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: To store the bread for an extended period, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them separately. The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight, and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or toast individual slices.
- Reheating Tips: To refresh the bread’s texture, warm slices in the toaster or oven before serving. This will help revive the bread’s soft, moist crumb and enhance its cinnamon flavor.
Variations:
1. Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the batter for a classic twist. The sweet, chewy raisins complement the cinnamon swirl beautifully, adding extra flavor and texture to each slice.
2. Apple Cinnamon Bread
For a fruity variation, fold 1 cup of finely chopped apples into the batter. The apples add moisture and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well for this recipe.
3. Nutty Cinnamon Bread
Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter or sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar layer. The nuts add a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft bread.
4. Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Bread
Mix 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. The chocolate adds a decadent touch, melting into pockets of sweetness throughout the bread.
5. Blueberry Cinnamon Bread
For a berry-filled variation, gently fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. The tartness of the blueberries complements the sweetness of the cinnamon swirl, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
6. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Transform this recipe into a banana bread by replacing the sour cream with 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas. The bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, making this a delightful combination of flavors.
7. Vegan Cinnamon Bread
To make this bread vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), use a plant-based yogurt or applesauce instead of sour cream, and substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk. Choose a vegetable oil or vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.
8. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bread
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of this bread. Ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon to the recipe to help with texture.
9. Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread
Add a seasonal twist by mixing 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree into the batter and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. The pumpkin adds moisture and a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for autumn.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. If using gluten-free flour, ensure it’s a 1:1 substitution blend that includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
2. How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from sinking?
The cinnamon sugar is intended to create a swirl within the bread, so some of it will naturally sink during baking. To minimize sinking, make sure the batter is thick enough, and avoid over-mixing when layering the batter and cinnamon sugar.
3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use a commercial egg replacer. This will slightly alter the texture but still yield delicious results.
4. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, or even buttermilk. These options will provide similar moisture and tanginess to the bread.
5. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking, checking every 5 minutes until done.
6. Can I add extra cinnamon to the recipe?
Yes, if you love cinnamon, you can increase the amount in the cinnamon swirl or even add a teaspoon to the batter for a more pronounced cinnamon flavor throughout the bread.
This cinnamon bread recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and comforting flavors. The moist crumb and irresistible cinnamon swirl make it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a must-try for any home baker.