Indulge your senses with the irresistible aroma and delectable taste of homemade Cinnamon Bread. This delightful recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of sugar, resulting in a soft and moist bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting treat any time of day. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying freshly baked cinnamon goodness in no time. So, preheat your oven and let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- ¼ cup of vegetable oil
- 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of melted unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Drizzle the melted butter over the batter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cinnamon bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts or Raisins: For added texture and flavor, consider folding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins into the batter before baking.
- Glaze Option: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled cinnamon bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the buttermilk with dairy-free milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk) mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: While traditional cinnamon bread is not keto-friendly due to its high carb content, you can create a keto version using almond flour or coconut flour, along with keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia. Experiment with recipes specifically designed for low-carb diets to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- Low Carb Option: Similarly, you can make a low-carb version of cinnamon bread by using almond flour or coconut flour and reducing the amount of sweetener used. Keep in mind that low-carb baking may require additional adjustments to achieve the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can use self-rising flour in place of all-purpose flour, but be sure to omit the salt, baking powder, and baking soda from the recipe since self-rising flour already contains these ingredients.
Q: Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
A: While you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the bread may be slightly different. Whole wheat flour tends to produce a denser loaf, so you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze leftover cinnamon bread?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover cinnamon bread for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw slices as needed at room temperature or in the microwave.
Q: Can I double the recipe to make two loaves of cinnamon bread?
A: Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two loaves of cinnamon bread. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the loaves to ensure they are evenly baked.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter for the topping?
A: While butter is typically preferred for its rich flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute for the topping if desired. Just be aware that margarine may alter the taste and texture slightly.
With its warm, spicy aroma and irresistible flavor, homemade Cinnamon Bread is a timeless classic that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this delicious bread is a comforting treat that never goes out of style. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of cinnamon goodness that will have everyone coming back for more!
