Cinnamon bread is one of those delightful treats that evokes warmth and nostalgia. The aroma of cinnamon baking in the oven brings a cozy feeling into any home, making it hard to resist a slice—freshly baked and still warm. This soft, sweet, and aromatic bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack during the day, or simply as a comforting dessert.
Why We Love This Cinnamon Bread Recipe
This cinnamon bread recipe is a beloved classic for numerous reasons. First and foremost, it beautifully combines rich flavors with an incredibly light and fluffy texture. The sweetness of brown and granulated sugars, combined with a hint of cinnamon, elevates this bread beyond the ordinary.
It’s versatile, too. You can enjoy it plain or add your favorite spreads. Furthermore, baking this cinnamon bread creates an unparalleled aroma that fills your home, instantly making it feel inviting.
The recipe is easy enough for bakers of all skill levels to master, making it a go-to option for both seasoned chefs and beginners. Each slice is a reminder of home, comfort, and simplicity. You’ll find that this cinnamon bread doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth; it brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Ingredients about Cinnamon Bread
To create this heavenly cinnamon bread, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that may already be in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 5 Tablespoons Butter, Softened to Room Temperature
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream, at Room Temperature
- 1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 3/4 Cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar (For the Cinnamon Sugar)
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
With these ingredients, you are well on your way to making a delicious loaf of cinnamon bread that your taste buds will thank you for!
How to Make Cinnamon Bread Directions
Baking cinnamon bread is a journey filled with delightful scents and flavors, and following these instructions will lead you to a mouthwatering result. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the bread bakes evenly and achieves the perfect texture.
Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent your bread from sticking after baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures that your bread rises properly while incorporating the dry ingredients evenly.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a larger bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, sour cream, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Gently beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Don’t rush through this step; ensuring these ingredients blend well is vital for flavor and texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to carefully stir until just combined. Be cautious not to over-mix, as this can affect the bread’s texture.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar with cinnamon. This sugar mixture will serve as a delicious topping and a flavorful swirl within the bread.
Layer the Batter and Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer. Then, pour the remaining batter into the pan, followed by another sprinkle of the remaining cinnamon sugar.
Swirl for Extra Flavor: To get that lovely cinnamon swirl, take a butter knife and gently swirl through the batter a few times. This creates that lovely marbled effect that everyone loves.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove it and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Now that you’ve made your very own cinnamon bread, you’re just steps away from enjoying the delightful treat you created!
How to Serve Cinnamon Bread
Serving cinnamon bread can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose. This delightful loaf is perfect straight out of the oven, where each slice is delightfully warm, fragrant, and has that dreamy aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air.
For a breakfast option, simply serve slices alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite morning beverage. Consider spreading a little butter or cream cheese on warm slices for added richness.
As an afternoon snack, cinnamon bread pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or a sweet herbal tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping a slice with sliced bananas or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of flavor.
Hosting friends or family? Dress up your cinnamon bread by serving it on a beautiful platter. You can also provide small bowls of fruit preserves or nut butters on the side for guests to enjoy. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or as a warm dessert, cinnamon bread brings warmth and joy to every table.
Expert Tips: Cinnamon Bread
To make sure your cinnamon bread turns out perfectly every time, keep the following expert tips in mind:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure that your butter, sour cream, and egg are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.
Avoid Over-mixing: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to stir too much. Over-mixing can lead to dense bread.
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bread towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted should come out clean when it’s done.
Cooling Time Matters: Allowing the bread to cool slowly in the pan prevents it from becoming damp. Once it’s in the wire rack, let it cool completely for the best texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the batter for a twist on the classic recipe. A dash of nutmeg can also complement the cinnamon beautifully.
By using these tips, you ensure your cinnamon bread becomes a favorite in your home!
How to Store Cinnamon Bread
If by some chance you have leftover cinnamon bread, storing it properly is essential to maintaining its taste and texture. Follow these guidelines to keep your bread fresh:
At Room Temperature: Use a bread box or wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap to keep it at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly warm area or would like to extend the freshness, you can refrigerate it. However, refrigerating can dry it out, so it’s best to wrap it tightly.
Freezing: For long-term storage, freezing is ideal. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the oven for a few minutes to warm it up.
No matter how you choose to store it, your cinnamon bread will retain its delightful taste and texture when done right!
Variation of Cinnamon Bread
While the classic cinnamon bread is delicious, there are numerous variations you can explore to keep things exciting. Here are a few ideas:
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the softness of the bread.
Chocolate Swirl: For chocolate lovers, mix chocolate chips into your batter or create a chocolate cinnamon swirl by replacing part of the sugar with cocoa powder.
Fruit Additions: Experiment with adding fresh fruits like blueberries or apples into the batter for a fruity twist. Ensure to slice apples thinly to help them bake evenly.
Pumpkin Spice: In the fall, substitute a portion of the sour cream with pumpkin puree and add spices like nutmeg and ginger for a seasonal spin.
Almond Joy: Introduce flakes of toasted coconut and almond extract alongside the cinnamon for a tropical taste experience.
Each of these variations adds a unique touch to the classic recipe, allowing you to customize your cinnamon bread to suit any occasion or craving!
FAQ
If you have questions about making cinnamon bread, you’re definitely not alone! Here are some common questions answered:
How can I prevent my cinnamon bread from being too dense?
The key to ensuring a light loaf is to not over-mix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. It’s best to stir just until combined.
Can I make this cinnamon bread gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is recommended for baking, but make sure to follow the specific instructions to achieve the best results.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can use plain yogurt or Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream, which will yield similar results in texture and flavor.
How can I add more cinnamon flavor?
If you’re a cinnamon lover, consider increasing the amount of cinnamon in both the bread batter and the cinnamon sugar topping for an extra flavor boost.
Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons butter softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream at room temperature
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup granulated sugar for the cinnamon sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sour cream, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!