Cinnamon quick bread is a wonderfully fragrant and moist loaf that combines the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon with the ease of a quick bread—no yeast or rising time required. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy treat any time of the day, and its simple ingredients make it accessible even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or raisins
- For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the buttermilk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.
- If using nuts or raisins, fold them in now.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer, smoothing the surface gently, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. You can also swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or butter for a richer flavor.
- Mix gently: Overmixing the batter can make the bread tough and dense. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened for a tender crumb.
- Add-ins: Chopped apples, shredded zucchini, or mashed bananas can be folded into the batter to add moisture and flavor, but reduce the sugar slightly if adding very sweet ingredients.
- Prevent dryness: Avoid overbaking by starting to check doneness at 50 minutes. Every oven varies, and overbaking dries out quick breads.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon quick bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Try it plain, or spread with softened butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider. For a festive touch, top slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Variations
- Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Add 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Reduce the liquid slightly to keep the batter thick.
- Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg for a classic combo.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it.
- Cinnamon Streusel Topping: Instead of a swirl, top the batter with a mixture of 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons cold butter cut into small pieces. Sprinkle before baking for a crunchy crust.
Storage and Reheating
Store cinnamon quick bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly to bring back a fresh-baked texture. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make cinnamon quick bread without eggs?
- Yes, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or a commercial egg replacer. These alternatives add moisture but may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
- Why is my cinnamon quick bread dense or heavy?
- Density usually results from overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder or baking soda. Mix just until combined to avoid developing gluten, and check that your leavening agents are fresh for proper rise.
- Can I double this recipe for two loaves?
- Yes, doubling the ingredients works well. Use two loaf pans and bake at the same temperature, but start checking for doneness around 50 minutes, as baking times may vary slightly.
- What’s the difference between quick bread and yeast bread?
- Quick breads use baking powder or baking soda as leavening agents, which react immediately and don’t require rising time. Yeast breads need time to ferment and rise, resulting in a different texture and flavor.
- Can I add a glaze or frosting to cinnamon quick bread?
- Absolutely. A simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor. Add it once the bread has cooled completely to avoid melting.
- Is cinnamon quick bread healthy?
- While delicious and comforting, cinnamon quick bread is a sweet baked good that contains sugar and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. You can make it healthier by reducing sugar, using whole wheat flour, or adding fruits and nuts.
With its quick preparation, warm spice, and tender crumb, cinnamon quick bread is an ideal treat to bake any day you want something comforting and easy. Experiment with the variations and toppings to find your favorite version!
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