This Easy Cinnamon Bread Recipe is the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and comfort in every slice. With a soft, tender crumb and a delightful swirl of cinnamon sugar running through it, this bread is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a simple snack. The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread filling your home is an experience you won’t want to miss. Plus, it’s simple to make, using basic pantry ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon bread recipe is the ultimate in cozy, homemade baking. The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a delicious swirl throughout the bread, giving it the perfect amount of sweetness and spice. The bread itself is incredibly soft and moist, with a slightly sweet flavor that doesn’t overwhelm. It’s quick to prepare and easy to bake, making it the perfect recipe whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro. The best part? It fills your home with a warm, inviting scent as it bakes.

Easy Cinnamon Bread

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the swirl)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
Add the buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk (or milk) to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Assemble the bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter on top, and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for that beautiful marbled effect.
Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 55-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: You can add raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Glazed cinnamon bread: For an extra sweet touch, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread.
Vegan version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. Use plant-based milk as a substitute for buttermilk.
Apple cinnamon bread: Add finely chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist on this classic recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for longer freshness.
Reheating: To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast them lightly for a warm, crispy crust.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and filling it with milk to the 1/2 cup line. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Can I freeze cinnamon bread?

Yes! To freeze the bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven before serving.

Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser bread with more fiber. If using all whole wheat flour, the bread may be a little heavier.

How do I get a perfect cinnamon swirl?

Make sure to swirl the cinnamon sugar gently into the batter, so you don’t overmix it. If you swirl too much, the cinnamon will get incorporated into the batter, rather than staying in layers.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make two loaves. Just make sure to divide the batter evenly and adjust the baking time as needed. You may need to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I add frosting to the bread?

Yes, you can drizzle a simple cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar glaze on top for a sweet finishing touch. This would turn your cinnamon bread into a dessert!

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. If it’s not done after 60 minutes, continue to bake in 5-minute increments.

Can I make mini cinnamon bread loaves?

Yes! If you have mini loaf pans, you can make smaller loaves. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, checking with a toothpick to see if it’s done.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this bread gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Follow the package directions for the best results.

Conclusion

This Easy Cinnamon Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or any time you want something comforting and sweet. With its soft, moist texture and the perfect cinnamon swirl, this bread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.