Classic Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you're looking for a recipe that screams comfort, then this classic cinnamon bread is perfect. No, you don't need to be a professional baker to make a loaf of cinnamon bread on your own, and once the sweet, cinnamon-sugar aroma fills your kitchen, there's no doubt that you'll want to make it over and over again. This recipe yields moist and fluffy bread paired with layers of cinnamon sugar.

Recipe developer Catherine Brookes came up with this easy recipe for cinnamon bread that's great for breakfast or an on-the-go snack. "This cinnamon bread has an amazing moist, fluffy texture. It's a really simple recipe that's such a crowd-pleaser!" Brookes raves. "The soft, fluffy texture of the loaf and the distinct cinnamon sugar marbling make this recipe such a classic staple bake."

Gather the ingredients for this classic cinnamon bread

If you bake a lot, you may have many of the ingredients needed for this recipe. Get all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, butter, and cinnamon.

Once you have those things, you can make this classic cinnamon bread.

Whisk the dry ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350 F and let it warm while you do the rest of the prep work. You can also grease and line a 1-pound loaf pan with parchment paper or a loaf pan liner.

Next, take out a mixing bowl and add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk well to combine, and set the mixture aside.

Mix the wet ingredients

Add the oil, one cup of sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in another mixing bowl and whisk well until just combined. Then, add the buttermilk and whisk again. "Using buttermilk in the batter helps to keep the texture of the cinnamon bread super moist," Brookes notes. 

Combine the mixtures

Dump the flour mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix until combined. If there are a few lumps in the batter — that's totally fine. "When combining the dry and wet ingredients together, be careful not to overmix as this may result in a dense loaf," Brookes shares. 

Make the cinnamon sugar

One of the key ingredients in this bread is the cinnamon sugar. To make it, mix the melted butter, ⅔ cup sugar, and cinnamon in a different bowl. It's simple yet flavorful! 

Assemble the bread

Pour ⅓ of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and shake the pan to spread it out evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter to fully cover that layer.

For the next layer, spoon half of the remaining batter all over the top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Keeping with the layering theme, top with the remaining cinnamon sugar, making sure to cover the entire surface of the batter.

Finally, add the last ⅓ of the batter over the top of the cinnamon sugar.

Swirl and bake

Grab a knife and move it in a swirling motion through the batter. Repeat this about 2 to 3 times. Then, pop the bread into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You can check doneness by inserting a skewer into the bread. If it comes out clean, that means it's good to go.

Let cool and serve

Take the bread out of the pan and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Once the 15 minutes are up, transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Then, the only thing left to do is serve and enjoy. "It's great served with some fresh fruit, or with some softened butter spread on top. You could even add a cream cheese frosting if desired!" Brookes adds. 

And, this will keep while for a bit! "Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days," Brookes notes.

Classic Cinnamon Bread Recipe
5 (78 ratings)
Learn how to bake this classic cinnamon bread recipe with sugary marbling and a moist, fluffy texture. Serve it with cream cheese frosting or softened butter.
Prep Time
20
minutes
Cook Time
45
minutes
Servings
10
slices
classic cinnamon bread on plate
Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar (divided)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • ¼ cup butter (melted)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease and line a 1-pound loaf pan with parchment paper or a loaf pan liner.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, 1 cup of the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Add the buttermilk and whisk again.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Some lumps are ok.
  6. Mix together the melted butter, 2/3 cup sugar, and cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar.
  7. Pour 1/3 of the batter into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
  8. Sprinkle over half of the cinnamon sugar mixture to fully cover the layer of batter.
  9. Spoon half of the remaining batter all over the top of the cinnamon sugar layer.
  10. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top, again covering all of the batter.
  11. Spoon the last batch of batter all over the top to cover the cinnamon sugar.
  12. Take a knife and move it in a swirling motion through the batter 2-3 times.
  13. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a skewer poked into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
  14. Leave the cinnamon bread in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories per Serving 377
Total Fat 14.1 g
Saturated Fat 4.1 g
Trans Fat 0.2 g
Cholesterol 69.2 mg
Total Carbohydrates 57.5 g
Dietary Fiber 1.4 g
Total Sugars 35.0 g
Sodium 243.3 mg
Protein 5.9 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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