Cinnamon Sugar Bread is a soft, sweet loaf with a warm cinnamon flavor and a crunchy sugar topping. It’s easy to make using basic ingredients and doesn’t require a mixer. You can bake it in under an hour, and it’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Why We Love This Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it brings that nostalgic cinnamon sugar flavor you already know and crave—without needing to fry anything or make a mess. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and can be made in a single bowl. The batter is easy to mix by hand, and there’s no yeast or rising time to worry about. That makes this bread perfect when you want something fresh-baked fast.
This bread is great for any time of day. Pair it with your morning drink or pack it in lunch boxes for a sweet treat. It travels well, freezes well, and never lasts long on the counter. Plus, you get that perfect cinnamon sugar crust on top and a beautiful swirl inside. It’s a recipe you’ll want to save, share, and come back to often.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Bread
To make this comforting loaf, you’ll only need a few everyday ingredients. You won’t need a mixer or any special tools—just your bowls, whisk, and loaf pan. The ingredients come together quickly to create a soft and tender bread that’s full of cinnamon warmth and sweet crunch.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup canola oil
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so the bread starts baking at the right temperature. Next, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with the butter. Make sure all sides are well-coated so your bread releases easily once baked.
In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of the sugar and 3 teaspoons of the cinnamon. Stir until blended and set it aside. This mixture will be used both inside and on top of the bread to create that classic cinnamon sugar swirl and crust.
In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Sift or stir them together well. This helps create a light and even texture in the finished bread.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg. Then add in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir these wet ingredients together until smooth. Slowly pour this liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir by hand until just combined—don’t overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth.
Pour half of the batter into your greased loaf pan. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. This will form the swirl inside the bread. Pour the rest of the batter on top, smoothing it out carefully.
Use a butter knife to gently swirl the batter. Drag the knife in an “S” motion through the batter from one end to the other, making sure not to mix it too much. You just want a swirl effect—not a full blend.
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top. This forms the delicious, crunchy crust.
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Ovens vary, so begin checking at 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is ready.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a plate. Any cinnamon sugar that falls off can be pressed onto the sides of the bread by gently rolling or patting it in. This step adds even more sweet crust and flavor.
Now, slice your bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it’s just as good the next day.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Bread
There are endless ways you can serve this bread. If you like it warm, slice a piece and heat it for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. Add a pat of butter for extra richness or enjoy it plain—either way, it melts in your mouth.
This bread makes a sweet start to your morning, especially when served with coffee or tea. It’s also great in the afternoon with a cold drink or as a simple dessert after dinner.
For a fun twist, you can even toast a slice and top it with cream cheese or nut butter. If you’re hosting brunch or having guests, cut the bread into cubes and serve it as part of a breakfast platter.
The sweetness of this bread pairs well with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a glass of cold milk. However you serve it, one slice is never enough.
Expert Tips: Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Here are some helpful tips to make your Cinnamon Sugar Bread the best it can be:
- Don’t overmix – Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a tender one.
- Use room temperature ingredients – This helps everything mix more smoothly and bake more evenly.
- Create clean swirls – Use a butter knife, not a spoon, to get those perfect cinnamon swirls. Just a few swipes are enough.
- Test with a toothpick – Every oven is a bit different. Check your bread a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool properly – The bread will slice better and hold its shape if it cools for at least 10–15 minutes.
These small tips can make a big difference in how your bread turns out. Stick to them and you’ll get a perfect loaf every time.
How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Cinnamon Sugar Bread stores well, which makes it a great make-ahead option. Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container.
Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just know that refrigeration can slightly change the texture.
If you want to freeze it, wrap slices individually in plastic and place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab one slice at a time. To thaw, leave it at room temperature or heat it briefly in the microwave.
Variation of Cinnamon Sugar Bread
You can customize this bread easily with a few fun twists. Here are some ideas to try:
- Add nuts – Chopped walnuts or pecans give the bread a satisfying crunch.
- Use brown sugar – Replace half of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Add fruit – Fold in small chunks of apple or raisins for a fruity touch.
- Top with glaze – Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness.
- Make muffins – Use the same batter in a muffin tin. Reduce the bake time to 18–22 minutes.
These simple changes allow you to make this bread suit your tastes, your mood, or what’s in your pantry.
FAQ about Cinnamon Sugar Bread
What does Cinnamon Sugar Bread taste like?
It tastes like a soft, fluffy donut baked into a loaf. You get sweet, warm spice from the cinnamon and a sugary crust on top.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but expect a slightly denser texture. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best results.
Why is my bread dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and check your oven early.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and swap butter with plant-based spread.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two pans. Be sure to check doneness carefully.
Does this freeze well?
Yes, it freezes great. Wrap slices individually for easy grab-and-go options.
Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1 1/3 cups sugar divided
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup canola oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of sugar and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and remaining 1 cup of sugar, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and swirl with a butter knife.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!