There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma that fills your kitchen when you bake a loaf of Cinnamon Sugar Bread. Imagine a golden, buttery crumb marbled with ribbons of sweet cinnamon — a comfort food classic minus any fuss. This crowd-pleasing quick bread requires no yeast and no stand mixer, just a handful of pantry staples, and it delivers maximum reward in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to homemade treats, you’ll love just how easy and irresistible this Cinnamon Sugar Bread is to whip up and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Cinnamon Sugar Bread is all in the little things: everyday ingredients that become pure magic when combined. Each one adds its own special touch, from moisture to tenderness, sweetness to spice. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, keeping it sturdy but still yielding enough for a moist crumb.
- Baking powder: Lifts the loaf for that irresistible, bakery-style fluffiness without yeast.
- Salt: Just a bit sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being overwhelming.
- Sugar (divided): Sweetens the bread itself and creates those beautiful, crunchy cinnamon swirls.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping the ingredients blend seamlessly together.
- Egg: The secret to an ultra-tender, cohesive loaf that holds together when sliced.
- Oil or melted butter: Either will make your bread plush and flavorful — use butter for more richness, oil for a lighter crumb.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show, bringing fragrant warmth and a cozy, nostalgic vibe to every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your finished Cinnamon Sugar Bread slides right out, with those gorgeous cinnamon swirls intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 3/4 cup of the sugar. This blend not only distributes the leavening evenly but also makes sure every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s a little moment of calm before the cinnamon-scented magic starts.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, crack in the egg, and add your oil or melted butter. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything comes together. The key here is not to overmix — just blend until you have a thick, slightly lumpy batter that promises a tender loaf.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half your batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Stir together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and all the cinnamon, then sprinkle half of this mixture right over the batter. Dollop the rest of the batter on top, spreading gently, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Swirl through the loaf with a butter knife for those classic marbled streaks.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know your Cinnamon Sugar Bread is ready when it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully lifting it onto a rack to cool completely — if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, drizzle your cooling loaf with a simple vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar. Both choices add a bit of bakery flair and boost the bread’s comfort factor. If you’re feeling a little fancy, try a few curls of orange or lemon zest right on top for delightful color and a whisper of citrus.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Sugar Bread pairs beautifully with a mug of fresh coffee or spiced chai for breakfast or brunch. If you’re serving it as a dessert, pile on a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. For a snacky spread, offer thin slices with berries and a knob of softened butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Cinnamon Sugar Bread into cubes and serve as sweet croutons over vanilla yogurt, or turn thick slices into French toast for a decadent morning treat. Hosting brunch? Arrange slices on a platter with fresh fruit and honey for effortless elegance. You can also wrap the loaf in parchment with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap your cooled Cinnamon Sugar Bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the bread even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This bread holds up beautifully in the freezer. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can keep Cinnamon Sugar Bread frozen for up to 2 months — ideal for stashing away treats or prepping ahead for guests.
Reheating
To bring frozen bread back to cozy perfection, let it thaw at room temperature or warm slices in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave will also do the trick, making your Cinnamon Sugar Bread taste irresistibly fresh-from-the-oven once again.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but be aware that the loaf may be a bit denser and have a heartier flavor. For best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose to keep the bread tender.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon sugar?
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently drag through the batter in a figure-eight pattern. Don’t overdo it — you want distinct cinnamon sugar ribbons, not fully blended batter.
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Bread dairy free?
Definitely! Swap the milk for any non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and opt for oil instead of butter. You’ll still get that lovely texture and flavor, no dairy required.
Is it possible to add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely. Fold up to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or raisins into the batter just before baking. Pecans and walnuts both work well and add extra crunch and richness.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Cinnamon Sugar Bread is ready. The top will look set, and the house will smell incredible!
Final Thoughts
If comfort, simplicity, and pure joy had a flavor, it would be this Cinnamon Sugar Bread. Trust me: once you try it, you’ll want to bake a loaf for every brunch, snack, and cozy afternoon. Turn on your oven, grab your favorite cinnamon, and treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to a slice of happiness today.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, buttery quick bread swirled with cinnamon sugar — no yeast, no mixer, pure comfort in every slice.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup oil or melted butter
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven: to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and ¾ cup sugar.
- Add wet ingredients: milk, egg, and oil; stir until combined.
- Layer batter in pan: Pour half into loaf pan; sprinkle half of the cinnamon + ¼ cup sugar. Add remaining batter + rest of cinnamon sugar; swirl lightly.
- Bake: for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Top with vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Bread, Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Home Baking
