Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Streusel Bread
Cinnamon Streusel Bread is the ultimate sweet treat that effortlessly combines warmth, sweetness, and a bit of spice, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. The moist, tender bread has a delicious hint of cinnamon running through it, topped with a rich and crunchy streusel that takes it to the next level. Each bite gives you the perfect balance of soft, spongy bread with a slightly crisp, caramelized topping—truly a comforting indulgence.
This bread’s versatility makes it a standout. Whether served warm out of the oven or as leftovers for a cozy weekend brunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and kids alike. Its sweet, cinnamon flavor paired with a light crumb structure makes it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. What’s more, the simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a perfect beginner-friendly recipe for anyone looking to bake something that’s guaranteed to impress.
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls or coffee cakes, then Cinnamon Streusel Bread is a must-try. It takes the best elements of these two favorites—fluffy bread and a cinnamon-sugar swirl—and brings them together in an easy-to-make loaf. Topped with a buttery, sweet streusel crumble, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s just as perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea as it is for holiday gatherings.
What You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather your ingredients. This recipe calls for simple pantry staples, making it both accessible and delightful. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Cinnamon Streusel Bread:
For the Cinnamon Streusel Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar (granulated)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt, depending on your preference)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
These ingredients come together to create a delightfully moist loaf with an irresistible topping. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, the flavors meld perfectly, offering a comforting sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get started with making this delicious Cinnamon Streusel Bread! Follow the steps below for a simple and satisfying baking experience.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. Preheating ensures that your bread will bake evenly from the start.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This combination of dry ingredients will help provide structure to your bread, along with that signature cinnamon flavor throughout.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, creating a tender loaf. Beat for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light in color.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well-incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser texture.
6. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix everything together until it forms a crumbly texture. The streusel should have small, pea-sized clumps of butter throughout, which will give it that perfect crispy topping once baked.
7. Pour the Batter Into the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it into an even layer. You don’t need to be too precise—just make sure the batter is spread out evenly across the bottom.
8. Top with Streusel
Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over the batter. Use your fingers or a spoon to evenly distribute the crumble, ensuring that each bite will have a sweet, buttery crunch.
9. Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread during the last 10 minutes of baking—if the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
10. Cool and Serve
Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist the urge to cut into it immediately, allow it to cool for about 20 minutes for the best texture.
Slice the bread into thick slices and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. The combination of cinnamon, soft bread, and crunchy streusel will have your taste buds dancing.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream (or yogurt) are all at room temperature before you begin. This ensures that everything mixes together smoothly, creating a uniform batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so it’s important to keep things light and gentle.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Old or expired leavening agents can result in a flat loaf. Check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda to ensure they are still effective.
- Customizing the Streusel: The streusel topping can be customized to your liking. You can add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or even chocolate chips for a fun variation.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven bakes differently, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Variations to Try
While this Cinnamon Streusel Bread is perfect as is, there are several variations you can try to customize the recipe to suit your taste:
1. Add Chocolate Chips
For a more indulgent treat, fold in chocolate chips into the batter. The rich, melty chocolate pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor and adds a gooey texture to the bread.
2. Banana Cinnamon Streusel Bread
Add mashed ripe bananas to the batter for a moist, banana-infused twist. The bananas will complement the cinnamon and streusel, making it a truly unique version.
3. Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread
Add finely chopped apples to the batter for a delightful, fruity flavor. The apples will soften while baking, giving the bread an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.
4. Pecan Cinnamon Streusel Bread
Fold in chopped pecans into the batter or add them to the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
5. Maple Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a maple glaze over the cooled bread. Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
Storing and Reheating
Storing Cinnamon Streusel Bread:
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to refrigerate it to preserve freshness for up to a week.
Freezing:
Cinnamon Streusel Bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or warm it gently in the oven.
Reheating:
To reheat, slice the bread and place the slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. If you prefer, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use non-dairy yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute non-dairy yogurt for sour cream, such as almond or coconut yogurt. Just ensure the texture is thick and creamy.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour for regular flour. Be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum to help provide structure.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and the sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt. Ensure your chocolate chips or any other add-ins are dairy-free as well.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser. You may want to substitute about half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
5. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread can be made the day before. Just store it at room temperature in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh.
The Final Word
Cinnamon Streusel Bread is a truly versatile and comforting recipe that will become a staple in your baking repertoire. The moist bread combined with the crumbly, buttery streusel topping is the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re enjoying it warm out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, each bite will remind you of the joys of baking and the comfort of home.
This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and is easy to customize to suit your taste. From the aroma of cinnamon filling the house to the satisfaction of biting into a soft, spiced slice, Cinnamon Streusel Bread is the kind of recipe that you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy!