Cinnamon Sugar Bread

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Oh, let me tell you about Cinnamon Sugar Bread! This sweet, soft loaf is like a warm hug in the form of baked goodness. I remember the first time I made it – the air was filled with that irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar swirling together, and I could hardly wait for it to cool before diving in. Every slice is perfectly swirled with a delightful combination of fluffy bread and that sweet, spiced topping. It’s the kind of treat that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance!

This Cinnamon Sugar Bread is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch, need a quick snack for the family, or just want to enjoy a slice with your morning coffee. Trust me, there’s something so comforting about tearing into a warm piece, with that soft crust giving way to the tender, sweet interior. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Okay, let’s dive right into why this Cinnamon Sugar Bread is an absolute winner. First off, the taste is just heavenly! Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy slice that’s perfectly swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness. It’s like a sweet hug for your taste buds! The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is enough to make anyone weak in the knees, trust me.

Now, let’s talk about texture. This bread is soft and tender, with just the right amount of a slight crust on the outside. It’s perfect for snuggling up with a cup of tea or coffee, and honestly, it’s fantastic both warm out of the oven or toasted the next day. You can serve it as a delightful breakfast treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or even dress it up for dessert with a scoop of ice cream!

And the best part? It’s super versatile! You can enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or even topped with cream cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser at brunches, potlucks, and family gatherings. Whether it’s a chilly day or a sunny afternoon, this Cinnamon Sugar Bread is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. I mean, who wouldn’t love that?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delightful Cinnamon Sugar Bread. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth goodness, so let’s make sure we’re using the best!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base! I always recommend using a good quality all-purpose flour because it gives the bread that perfect structure. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• 1 tsp baking powder: This little powerhouse helps your bread rise. Make sure it’s fresh; old baking powder can leave your bread flat and sad!
• 1/2 tsp salt: Don’t skip this! Salt enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors beautifully. Just a touch goes a long way.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): You want this butter soft but not melted, trust me. It creates a rich, tender crumb. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just chop it into small pieces to speed up the softening process!
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This is where the sweetness comes from! Feel free to adjust it slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread, but I bet you’ll love the full flavor.
• 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together and adds moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best mixing!
• 1 cup milk: I usually go for whole milk for that creamy richness, but you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if you’re dairy-free. Just make sure it’s also at room temperature for the best results.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor. Go for pure vanilla extract if you can; it makes a world of difference!
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: This adds moisture and keeps the bread tender. You can also use melted coconut oil if you’re feeling fancy!
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for swirl): This is for the sweet cinnamon swirl that makes each slice irresistible. You can mix it with some brown sugar for a deeper flavor, too!
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for swirl): The star of the show! Use fresh ground cinnamon if you have it; it really amps up that warm, comforting flavor.

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to baking up this delightful Cinnamon Sugar Bread! Remember, the quality of your ingredients can really shine through in the final product, so choose wisely!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients all lined up and ready to go, it’s time to dive into the fun part: baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect loaf of Cinnamon Sugar Bread in no time.

Prepping Your Ingredients

First things first, let’s prep everything. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want that oven nice and hot when your bread goes in! Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is evenly mixed. I like to do this in advance so I can just focus on the wet ingredients later. It also helps to aerate the flour a bit, which can make your bread even fluffier!

Mixing the Batter

In a separate large bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I usually use an electric mixer for this part; it makes things easier and faster. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes should do the trick! You’ll want to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything is well combined.

Once that’s done, add in your egg, milk, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Don’t worry if it looks a little bit lumpy; it’s supposed to! Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. I like to do it in three parts, gently folding it in with a spatula. The key here is to mix until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as that can make your bread tough. A few lumps are totally okay!

Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Now comes the exciting part – the cinnamon sugar swirl! In a small bowl, combine your 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Give it a quick stir until it’s all mixed together. Take half of your batter and pour it into a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle half of that dreamy cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. It’s going to smell amazing already!

Next, pour the remaining batter over this layer, spreading it gently. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Here’s where the magic happens: take a butter knife and gently swirl it through the batter. Don’t go overboard – just enough to create a beautiful marbled effect. You want ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout, but not so much that it completely mixes in.

Baking the Bread

Now, pop your loaf pan into the preheated oven! Bake for 50-60 minutes, but keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If you notice the top browning too quickly, feel free to cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps set the bread and makes it easier to remove. After that, let it cool completely, if you can resist the temptation! I mean, the smell alone might just get you to slice right in!

Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Cinnamon Sugar Bread, let’s have some fun with variations! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to add a little crunch, consider tossing in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. They add a delightful texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bread.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not spice things up? Swap out the ground cinnamon for a mix of spices like nutmeg and allspice for a warm, cozy flavor profile. Or, if you’re a fan of pumpkin, try adding a bit of pumpkin spice into the batter for a seasonal twist! You can find great chai spice pumpkin bread recipes for inspiration.

And let’s not forget about fruit! You can fold in some diced apples or mashed bananas for added moisture and natural sweetness. Just remember to adjust your sugar slightly if you add fruits, as they’ll bring their own sweetness to the party. These variations make this Cinnamon Sugar Bread perfect for any time of year, whether it’s a cozy fall morning or a bright spring afternoon. Get creative and make it your own!

Serving and Storage Tips

Alright, let’s talk about how to serve this delightful Cinnamon Sugar Bread! It’s fantastic just as it is, but I love to enjoy it warm, fresh out of the oven, with a pat of butter melting on top. Seriously, it’s pure bliss! You can also serve it sliced alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy moment. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, try adding a dollop of cream cheese or a scoop of ice cream on top for a lovely dessert twist. It’s versatile enough for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!

Now, for storage — I recommend keeping your Cinnamon Sugar Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up. Trust me, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen again!

Helpful Notes

Before you dive into baking, here are some extra tips to ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Bread turns out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, egg, and milk. This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a tender loaf. If you’re using cold ingredients, you might end up with a lumpy batter, and nobody wants that!

Also, be cautious not to overmix your batter. Remember, a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of that soft, fluffy bread we’re after. If you find your batter too thick, you can add a splash more milk to loosen it up a bit.

And here’s a common mistake: forgetting to grease your loaf pan! Trust me, you don’t want your beautiful bread to stick. Use butter or cooking spray, and if you really want to be safe, line the bottom with parchment paper. Lastly, if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap out half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds some fiber without sacrificing too much sweetness! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze this Cinnamon Sugar Bread?
Absolutely! This bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.

2. What if I don’t have baking powder?
No worries! You can substitute baking soda for baking powder, but you’ll need to add a bit of cream of tartar. For every teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Definitely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that it might make the bread a bit denser, so adjust your mixing time accordingly.

4. How do I serve Cinnamon Sugar Bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it by serving it warm with butter or cream cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack with coffee, or even as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream!

5. What if my bread sinks in the middle?
If your bread sinks in the middle, it might be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick, and remember to mix gently to keep that lovely fluffiness!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends! This Cinnamon Sugar Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen. I truly believe that anyone can whip this up, regardless of your baking skills. The blend of cinnamon and sugar, the soft, fluffy texture, and that warm aroma filling your kitchen — it’s all part of the magic! For more baking inspiration, check out our bread recipes.

Remember, baking is about having fun and enjoying the process, so don’t stress too much! Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this bread is bound to bring smiles all around. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let the deliciousness commence. I can’t wait for you to try it — happy baking!

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