Homemade Cinnamon Bread Recipe: A Timeless Treat to Enjoy
There’s nothing quite like the sweet and comforting smell of freshly baked cinnamon bread filling your home on a cozy weekend morning. The aroma alone is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face, but the taste is even better. Warm and fluffy with just the right amount of cinnamon to add a touch of spice, cinnamon bread is a classic treat that has been enjoyed for generations.
When I was a child, my grandmother would always make cinnamon bread when I came to visit. The two of us would spend hours in the kitchen measuring and mixing, our fingers sticky with dough and sugar. Some of my fondest memories are of us sitting at the table, warm slices of cinnamon bread in hand, sipping tea and talking about life. Now that she’s no longer with us, I make this recipe in her honor, reminiscing on those sweet moments we shared.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons melted unsalted butter
Directions
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Beat Sugar and Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until creamy.
- Combine with Other Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Combine Ingredients
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Prepare the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Add the Topping
- Mix the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
- Top the Batter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the batter in the loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. You can create a design with your spatula!
Bake the Bread
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the cinnamon bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and Serve: Slice and serve the cinnamon bread as desired. It can be enjoyed plain or toasted with butter.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Bread
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread and thaw it as needed.
- Customization: Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you use is a 1:1 substitute for best results.
Can I Use a Different Oil?
Yes, you can use other types of oil like canola or coconut oil. Each will slightly alter the flavor but will still yield delicious results.
How Can I Tell if My Bread is Done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If the batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I Add a Glaze?
Absolutely! For a sweet touch, mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract to create a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bread.
How Do I Keep the Bread Moist?
Avoid overbaking the bread, and store it in an airtight container. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
Trust me when I say that this cinnamon bread recipe is one to save and make time and time again. It’s the perfect baked good to share with loved ones over a cup of tea or coffee, or to enjoy as a special treat all on your own. So go ahead, let the sweet aroma of cinnamon fill your home and create your own beautiful memories with this timeless recipe.