Cinnamon bread is more than just a sweet treat—it’s comfort food at its finest. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery slice with a perfect balance of warmth, spice, and sweetness. Now, picture making it at home, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Sounds amazing, right? Well, you’re in luck because this cinnamon bread recipe is about to change your baking game forever!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bread
This isn’t your average cinnamon bread. It’s moist, buttery, and has just the right amount of spice to make every bite absolutely heavenly. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a late-night indulgence, this recipe will never disappoint.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Soft and Moist Texture – Thanks to the combination of buttermilk and butter.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness – Not overly sweet, just the right amount of sugar.
- Rich Cinnamon Flavor – Infused into every bite for that warm, comforting taste.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, easy steps, and no fancy techniques required.
- Versatile and Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the baking process, gather all your ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Cinnamon Bread
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canola oil (or avocado oil) | ¼ cup |
| Softened butter | ¼ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs (room temperature) | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Buttermilk* | ½ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Molasses | ½ tsp |
(*If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tsp white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Melted butter | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- If you’re making buttermilk from scratch, mix the milk and vinegar now.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Stir in the molasses to give the bread that rich depth of flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
6. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Brush the melted butter all over the warm loaf, then generously coat it with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Let It Set & Enjoy!
- Let the coating set for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Baking Tips for the Best Cinnamon Bread
- Use room temperature eggs – This helps create a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix – Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough.
- Let it cool slightly before coating – This helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick better.
- Use fresh cinnamon – The fresher the spice, the more flavorful your bread will be.
Variations & Add-Ins
Want to take this cinnamon bread to the next level? Try these delicious add-ins!
Nutty Crunch
- Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Raisin or Cranberry Twist
- Stir in ⅓ cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity boost.
Chocolate Lovers’ Dream
- Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet chocolate-cinnamon combo.
How to Store Cinnamon Bread
Proper storage ensures your cinnamon bread stays fresh and delicious for days!
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|
| At Room Temperature | 3-4 days in an airtight container |
| Refrigerated | Up to 1 week |
| Frozen | Up to 3 months |
For freezing, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. You can try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.
2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
3. Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, but it will change the texture slightly. Use ¾ cup of honey instead of 1 cup of sugar and reduce the buttermilk by 2 tablespoons.
4. What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon bread?
Warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast it lightly for a crispier bite.
5. Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
6. Why did my cinnamon bread turn out dry?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and check the bread a few minutes before the timer goes off.
Final Thoughts – You NEED to Try This!
This cinnamon bread isn’t just another recipe—it’s a must-try experience. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice, combined with the soft, moist texture, makes it a winner every time. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this bread is guaranteed to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake some unforgettable cinnamon bread!