You know that smell that fills the kitchen and makes you feel at home? That’s what happened when I baked cinnamon sugar bread. It’s sweet, soft, and has that warm spice we all love.
I like recipes that are easy but taste amazing. This bread is simple to mix, and the swirl of cinnamon sugar makes every bite special. It’s cozy, but it doesn’t take much work.
And here’s the best part. Cinnamon sugar bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with friends. Stay with me, because I’ll tell you why this bread has become one of my favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Yeast Required: This is a quick bread, meaning no proofing or waiting—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Moist and Buttery: The perfect balance of rich butter and tender crumb.
- Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: A delightful caramelized crunch in every bite.
- Versatile: Enjoy warm with butter, as a French toast base, or even as a dessert with ice cream!
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple ingredients, easy steps, and foolproof results.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch preferred)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Toothpick or skewer (for testing doneness)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of the bread, providing structure.
- Baking Powder – Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bread while keeping it tender.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together and adds structure.
- Milk – Creates a moist texture; whole milk is best.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bread extra soft.
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- Cinnamon – The star of the show, warm and aromatic.
- Granulated Sugar – Creates a sweet, crunchy swirl.
Variations for Cinnamon Sugar Bread
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Make It Healthier: Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar instead.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun surprise.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar. This will be used for the signature swirl inside the bread.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and oil, then mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are okay!
6. Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
7. Swirl the Batter
Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
8. Bake the Bread
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Bread
- Classic: Enjoy warm with a smear of butter.
- With Coffee: The perfect pairing for your morning cup.
- French Toast: Slice and dip in an egg mixture for a decadent breakfast.
- Dessert: Serve with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.
Garnish Ideas
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style touch.
- Drizzle with a simple icing (powdered sugar + milk).
- Top with toasted pecans for crunch.
Storing Cinnamon Sugar Bread
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds.
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
| Serving | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Slice | 210 | 30g | 9g | 3g |
Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Course: Uncategorized1
Loaf15
minutes50
minutes210
kcalIngredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for swirl)
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for swirl)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar for the swirl.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Mix in egg, milk, vanilla, and oil.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar.
- Add remaining batter, top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar, and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Sugar Bread FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This bread stays fresh for several days and can be frozen.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite mix-ins.
Can I make this into muffins?
Yes, bake in a muffin tin at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.