This cinnamon breakfast bread is a soft, moist loaf bursting with warm cinnamon flavor and subtle sweetness. Its tender crumb and inviting aroma make it an ideal way to start your day, whether sliced fresh or toasted. The recipe balances simple ingredients to create a comforting bread that works beautifully for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the sugar, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.
- If using nuts or raisins, fold them in now, distributing evenly through the batter.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing the brown sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and spread gently, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cinnamon sugar gently through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Substitutions: You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version; just add ½ teaspoon baking soda if using buttermilk to help with leavening.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender. Overworking the flour develops gluten, resulting in a dense loaf.
- Swirl technique: Don’t overdo the swirling; a few gentle figure-eights or zigzags are enough to distribute the cinnamon sugar without blending it completely.
- Storage: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon breakfast bread is delicious served warm or toasted with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite morning beverage. For a more indulgent breakfast, serve slices alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. You can also spread a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over toasted slices for added sweetness.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this cinnamon breakfast bread to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a nuttier loaf, add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts. Raisins or dried cranberries add a chewy sweetness that complements the cinnamon. To make it vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and oil.
If you prefer a richer bread, swap the vegetable oil for melted butter and sprinkle a streusel topping made from brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter mixed with flour before baking. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating
Store the bread at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, slice the bread first and separate slices with parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, toast slices directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it will produce a denser and heartier bread. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a tender crumb.
What is the best way to get a pronounced cinnamon swirl?
To achieve a distinct swirl, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture in layers between the batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it without fully blending. Overmixing will cause the cinnamon to disappear into the batter.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Give it a gentle stir before baking. This can enhance the flavor and make morning prep easier.
Is this bread sweet enough to be a dessert?
This bread leans toward mild sweetness, perfect for breakfast or snack time. If you want a sweeter dessert bread, increase the sugar slightly or add a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk drizzled over the cooled loaf.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If batter sticks to the tester, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely. Ground nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom can be added to the dry ingredients for a more complex spice profile. Start with ¼ teaspoon of each to complement the cinnamon without overpowering the bread.
This cinnamon breakfast bread recipe is a reliable, flavorful way to enjoy a cozy homemade loaf any morning. Its balance of cinnamon sweetness and soft texture makes it a favorite for all ages. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a fresh loaf ready to warm your kitchen and your day.
Related
- What Does Chasteberry Do to Hormones? 10 Key Effects Explained
- Discover Ukraine: Key Facts and Insights You Should Know
- Unique Facts About Paraguay You Probably Didn’t Know