Cinnamon Sugar Quick Bread is the perfect treat for those who love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar combined with a soft, tender bread. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat for dessert, this quick bread delivers.
Unlike traditional yeast breads, this quick bread doesn’t require any rising time, making it an excellent choice when you want homemade bread without the wait. With a swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness in every bite, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps
1. Preheat the Oven:
- 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.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and the cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
5. Mix the Batter:
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy for the best texture.
6. Layer the Batter and Cinnamon-Sugar:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on the top layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
7. Bake the Bread:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the bread should spring back when lightly pressed.
8. Cool:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Cinnamon Glaze:
- While the bread cools, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.
Variations
- Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon Quick Bread: Add 1 cup of diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist. Apples complement the cinnamon-sugar swirl and add moisture to the bread.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent, chocolatey version of this quick bread.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Tips
- Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the milk and egg are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bread out without sticking.
- Swirl Technique: For the best cinnamon-sugar swirl, use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar through the batter in an “S” motion. Don’t overdo it, or the layers will blend together instead of creating a swirl.
This Cinnamon Sugar Quick Bread is the ultimate treat for any cinnamon lover. The combination of soft, tender bread with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl makes this recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. It’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in no time, making it a go-to recipe when you’re craving something homemade and delicious.
Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or toasted with a little butter the next day, this cinnamon-sugar bread is bound to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread keeps well for 2-3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and enjoy!
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that using all whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture, so consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter bread.
3. How do I prevent the bread from drying out?
To prevent dryness, be sure not to overbake the bread. Check for doneness around the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. Also, storing it in an airtight container will help maintain moisture.
4. Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Yes! You can pour the batter into a muffin tin and make Cinnamon Sugar Muffins instead. Just reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this bread dairy-free, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or another non-dairy milk of your choice. The bread will still have a delicious flavor and texture.
