Cinnamon Bread Recipe

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If you’ve been searching for the ultimate Cinnamon Bread recipe, you’re in the right place. This is everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll but in a quick and easy loaf form. With its soft, buttery texture, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a crispy, cinnamon-coated crust, this quick bread is perfect for any occasion. It’s a great recipe for breakfast, an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, or even a sweet dessert. And if you’re looking for a mini version, look no further than my Cinnamon Muffins!

Why You’ll Love this Cinnamon Bread Recipe

You’ll love this cinnamon bread because it’s a mix of comfort food and a bakery-style treat. The swirl of cinnamon and molasses running through the batter gives every bite a little extra flavor. The final coating of butter and cinnamon sugar seals the deal, giving it that irresistible donut-like texture. It’s also incredibly easy to customize, so you can make it just the way you like. Trust me, this recipe will have your whole kitchen smelling like a cozy bakery in no time.

Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this easy recipe for cinnamon bread:

• Canola Oil and Butter – A mix of these two fats keeps the bread moist and flavorful. Avocado or Vegetable oil is fine too.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the batter, while a blend of brown sugar and cinnamon is used for the coating.
• Eggs – Room-temperature eggs help the batter mix smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of this bread, keeping it light yet sturdy enough for slicing.
• Buttermilk – Adds a slight tang and extra moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute milk mixed with a little white vinegar.
• Ground Cinnamon and Molasses – The stars of the cinnamon swirl.
• Coating – Melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar mixture give the loaf its signature finish.

Variations

Looking to switch it up? Try these simple variations:

• Swap molasses for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
• Use brown sugar in the batter for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
• Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Add a cup of raisins to make a tasty cinnamon raisin bread.
• Make this recipe into muffins– Be sure to grease the muffin tin and fill 2/3 full and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, around 13-15 minutes. Paper liners wouldn’t work here because you would have to coat the whole muffin in butter, then cinnamon sugar. Unless you just dip the top, which could be a great option if you’d rather not bother washing a muffin tin.

How to Make Cinnamon Bread

This is a pretty simple loaf to make, you just need to be prepared to get a little messy whilst dipping the whole loaf into melted butter…and then cinnamon and sugar. For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are my step by step directions for making this easy cinnamon bread recipe:

1. Preheat + Prep Loaf Pan

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease light colored loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Prepare the Batter

In large bowl (or bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment), mix oil, butter and sugar until well combined. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gently stir in dry ingredients and buttermilk until uniform batter has formed. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps are present.

3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl

Reserve 1/2 cup prepared batter from bowl and place into a smaller separate bowl. To that small amount of batter, stir in cinnamon and molasses.

4. Layer the Batter, Swirl + Bake

Pour half of the prepared batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon batter in small dollops overtop the batter. Pour remaining batter over the top. Dot the top with remaining cinnamon batter. Using a butter knife, swirl two batters together.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

5. Prep Coating

While loaf is baking, get coating ready. Pour melted butter into a large shallow dish. Stir sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon together in a separate large shallow dish.

6. Cool

Cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before loosening edges and removing loaf from pan. The loaf should be very warm, but cool enough to handle with your hands.

7. Coat the Bread

Dip each side of loaf into melted butter until fully coated. Spoon remaining melted butter over the edges that tend to be more crispy. Transfer buttery loaf to the cinnamon sugar mixture and press into the sides and top until fully coated. Slice into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage + Make Ahead Directions for Cinnamon Bread

Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it.

To Freeze: Let Cinnamon Bread cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer safe bag. Bread will stay fresh in the freezer for 3 months.

To Make Ahead: Store the baked loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

More Sweet Cinnamon Recipes To Try:

• Cinnamon Butterscotch Chip Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Cookies
• The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
• Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
• Buttery Monkey Bread

This homemade cinnamon bread is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. From the cinnamon sugar swirl to the buttery coating, every slice is packed with flavor and texture. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or slice it up for an afternoon snack. It also makes great French toast the next day! The printable recipe card is below. 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.