Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive headfirst into a world of pure, unadulterated cinnamon-y goodness? Because that’s exactly what awaits you with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious cinnamon bread recipe. Forget those store-bought loaves – this homemade version is on a whole other level. The aroma alone will transport you to a cozy cabin on a crisp autumn day, complete with crackling fireplace and a steaming mug of coffee (or hot chocolate, we won’t judge!).
What makes this cinnamon bread so special? It’s the perfect balance of everything: the tender, fluffy crumb, the perfectly spiced cinnamon swirl, and that irresistible sugary crust that’s just begging to be devoured. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required – just a little bit of love and a whole lot of cinnamon. Trust me, you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to whip up a loaf that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Imagine the joy of sharing this warm, comforting bread with your loved ones. It’s the perfect treat for a chilly evening, a delightful addition to a brunch spread, or simply the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee. The taste? It’s a symphony of warm spices, sweet sugar, and soft, yielding bread – a truly unforgettable experience. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking! You deserve this deliciousness.
What You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s get started:
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): Provides the structure for our delicious bread.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness is key! This balances the warm spices beautifully.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Our leavening agent for a light and airy loaf.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A little extra lift for that perfect rise.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star of the show! We’re not skimping here.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): A warm, subtle complement to the cinnamon.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and flavor, and helps keep the bread moist.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): For that extra layer of caramel sweetness in the cinnamon swirl.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
Step 1: Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid pockets of spice.
Step 2: Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth. If your butter is too cool, gently warm it until just melted. Avoid overheating.
Step 3: Combining Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough loaf.
Step 4: Cinnamon Swirl In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon. Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
Step 5: Layer and Bake Pour the remaining batter over the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top. Gently swirl with a knife or toothpick for a marbled effect. Don’t over swirl, as it can make the swirl less defined.
Step 6: Baking Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 50 minutes; oven temperatures can vary.
Step 7: Cooling Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Tips for Success
For the perfect cinnamon bread, here are a few extra pointers: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing leads to a tough loaf. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal leavening. Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and create a better texture. If your swirl isn’t as defined as you’d like, try using a knife to create a more pronounced marbling effect before baking. And finally, let the bread cool completely before slicing; this helps retain its moisture and prevents it from crumbling.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Try adding chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work wonderfully!), raisins, or dried cranberries to the batter. For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular melted butter. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the spice mix. A glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream would be an incredible topping! Get creative and have fun experimenting.
Storing and Reheating
Store your cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or bake for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Freezing and reheating may slightly alter the texture, but it’ll still be delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the milk? A: Yes! You can substitute the milk with buttermilk, almond milk, or even orange juice for a slightly citrusy twist. Just be aware that different liquids will impact the overall flavor and texture.
Q: How long does the cinnamon bread last? A: Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, it will last for up to 3 days. Frozen, it can last up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use different spices? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like cardamom, cloves, or allspice. Just remember to adjust the amounts to your preference.
Q: Why is my bread dense? A: This is often due to overmixing the batter or using old baking powder/baking soda. Make sure to gently mix until just combined, and always check the expiration dates on your leavening agents.
The Final Word
This homemade cinnamon bread recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Its warm spices, tender crumb, and irresistible sweetness make it the perfect treat for any occasion. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it accessible to bakers of all levels. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!
Cinnamon Bread
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan Grease and flour the pan before baking.
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients & Cinnamon Filling
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Brown sugar Packed
- 1 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (ing_1, ing_2, ing_3).
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients (ing_4, ing_5, ing_6, ing_7, ing_8, ing_9).
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon (ing_10).
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.