Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Get ready to be swept off your feet by the irresistible aroma and tender crumb of Cinnamon Bread. This classic loaf is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of sweet cinnamon swirls and a moist, buttery texture. Whether you’re starting your day with a cozy breakfast or treating yourself to an afternoon snack, this homemade Cinnamon Bread will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, one slice just won’t be enough!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Cinnamon Bread so magical? It’s a short list of pantry staples that work together to create a loaf that’s moist, fragrant, and full of flavor. Each ingredient brings its own special touch, from richness to lift to that unforgettable cinnamon warmth.

• All-purpose flour: Creates the foundation and structure for the bread—go for a spoon-and-level method to avoid a dense loaf.
• Baking powder: Gives the bread a beautiful rise, making each slice light and fluffy.
• Baking soda: Works hand-in-hand with the buttermilk for extra tenderness.
• Salt: Just a little boosts all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the bread brown beautifully.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the show; brings warmth and that signature cozy note.
• Buttermilk: Ensures moistness and a subtle tang—make your own in a pinch if needed!
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf soft and tender, even after a day or two.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a little richness.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch deepens the flavor and adds a sweet aroma.
• For the cinnamon swirl: Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon—this duo guarantees those gorgeous, ribbon-like pockets of flavor!
• For the glaze (optional): Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract transform this bread into a full-on treat—drizzle with abandon.

How to Make Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your beautiful Cinnamon Bread won’t stick and will pop out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Blending these thoroughly now means every bite of bread is light and evenly flavored — no pockets of baking powder or clumps of cinnamon!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully combined. A quick tip: let your eggs come to room temperature first for a smoother batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or spoon. Mix just until everything is married; overmixing can make your Cinnamon Bread tough rather than tender.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. This fragrant mixture is what will give your loaf its signature marbled look and flavor pops in every slice.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl

Spread half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle over half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the swirl mix. Take a butter knife and gently drag it through the loaf in a figure-eight motion to create beautiful cinnamon ribbons inside.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the center of the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and carefully remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 8: Glaze (Optional, but Delightful!)

For a sweet finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled loaf. The glaze adds a lovely sheen and a touch of extra sweetness to complement the cinnamon swirl.

How to Serve Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of that silky glaze, or even a pat of creamy butter can turn a humble slice of Cinnamon Bread into something showstopping. For an extra-special treat, add a pinch more cinnamon on top before serving.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Bread is delicious on its own, but it loves good company! Pair with a hot cup of coffee, a chai latte, or a big glass of cold milk for a breakfast or snack that feels like a hug. For brunch, serve slices alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cubing your Cinnamon Bread and toasting into croutons for a fruit salad or layering slices into a bread pudding for a decadent dessert. For an easy party platter, put out mini slices with bowls of honey, whipped cream, or even chocolate sauce for dipping — guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled Cinnamon Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

Cinnamon Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until soft and fragrant. If you’re starting from frozen, wrap lightly in foil and reheat at 300°F until fully thawed and warmed through.

FAQs

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for five minutes. You’ll get the same tangy tenderness in your Cinnamon Bread.

How do I know when the Cinnamon Bread is done baking?

Check with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top will be golden and may have a few irresistible cracks as well.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Divide the batter among greased or lined muffin cups, swirl in the cinnamon sugar, and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

What’s the best way to keep the bread soft?

Let the bread cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic or storing it in an airtight container. This keeps your Cinnamon Bread fresh and moist for days.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

You can scale the sugar down by a few tablespoons if you prefer a less-sweet loaf without sacrificing the texture, but keep some sweetness for that classic Cinnamon Bread flavor and beautiful golden crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about baking Cinnamon Bread at home—between the comforting smell and the first warm, cinnamon-swirled bite, it just feels like a celebration. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with the people you love. Trust me, your kitchen will never smell better!

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