Cinnamon Bread

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the smell of cinnamon bread baking in the oven. It instantly transports me to cozy mornings when the kitchen is warm, the coffee is brewing, and comfort is wrapped in a slice of spiced, golden bread. This Cinnamon Bread recipe is one of my all-time favorites—not just because it’s incredibly delicious, but because it’s simple, economical, and always delivers that satisfying homemade taste that makes every bite feel like a hug.

I first created this recipe on a quiet afternoon when I wanted something sweet but not too indulgent. I wasn’t in the mood for a complicated dessert or a trip to the store. I looked around my kitchen, saw the basic ingredients I always have on hand—flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and of course, cinnamon—and decided to try something easy and warm. What came out of the oven that day was an aromatic loaf with a golden crust, soft crumb, and a swirled center that made every slice look and taste like something special. Since then, it’s become a staple in my baking rotation.

Why you will love this recipe

You’re going to love this Cinnamon Bread because it checks all the boxes. It’s delicious, yes—but also extremely easy to make. You don’t need a mixer or any fancy tools, just a few bowls and a whisk. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert. The texture is moist and tender, with a beautiful swirl of cinnamon sugar running through the center that adds just the right touch of indulgence.

Versatile

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as-is, toast it with a pat of butter, or even use it for French toast. It also holds up well in lunchboxes and makes a thoughtful homemade gift. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can toss in some chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.

Affordable

This recipe is wonderfully budget-friendly. It uses simple pantry staples, so there’s no need to buy anything special. In fact, it’s likely you already have everything you need to make it right now. That makes it a great choice for both everyday baking and last-minute cravings.

Ingredients for the recipe

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 cup milk

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Prepare This Recipe 
Step-by-step instructions for preparation

Making homemade cinnamon bread is as easy as mixing, swirling, and baking. This recipe doesn’t require yeast or rising time, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings, spontaneous baking sessions, or simple comfort food cravings. It comes together quickly in one bowl, and the cinnamon swirl takes just a moment to create but adds so much character.

Let’s walk through how to prepare this sweet, spiced bread from start to finish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly from the start. Then, grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar and egg. Whisk them together until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk. Mix just until the batter is combined—avoid overmixing, as that can make the bread dense. The batter will be slightly thick and smooth.

Step 5: Make the cinnamon sugar swirl
In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar together until well blended. This simple mixture will create the ribbon of flavor in the center of the bread.

Step 6: Assemble the batter in the pan
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this first layer. Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it evenly again. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the top.

Step 7: Create the swirl
Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter by dragging the knife in a figure-eight motion throughout the pan. Don’t overdo it—a few swirls are all it takes to distribute the cinnamon beautifully through the loaf.

Step 8: Bake the bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking so the bread stays soft and tender.

Step 9: Cool and serve
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing the bread while it’s still warm might cause it to crumble, so give it time to set for clean slices.

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Quick and Easy

One of the reasons I love this cinnamon bread recipe so much is how fast and fuss-free it is. There’s no yeast, no kneading, and no long resting periods. You don’t even need a mixer—just bowls and a whisk or spoon. The entire process takes around 15 minutes of active prep time, and then it’s into the oven. That’s why it’s my go-to when I want something freshly baked without investing a lot of time.

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Customizable

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes. Want a little extra crunch? Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar. Prefer a richer flavor? Substitute half of the milk with Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the top once it cools for a more dessert-like presentation.

For those who like to experiment, a sprinkle of cardamom or nutmeg can add a warming depth to the cinnamon. Raisins, chopped dates, or mini chocolate chips are all welcome additions if you’re in the mood for something different.

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Popular with Many People

This cinnamon bread is one of those crowd-pleasing bakes that everyone seems to love. It’s sweet but not too sweet, soft yet sturdy, and full of that comforting cinnamon flavor. I’ve served it at brunches, brought it to gatherings, and gifted it wrapped in parchment paper and twine. It disappears quickly every time.

Whether you’re making it for your family, your neighbors, or just for yourself, this recipe is always a winner.

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FAQs

Can I make this cinnamon bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This cinnamon bread stays moist and flavorful for several days when stored properly. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Can I freeze cinnamon bread?
Absolutely. This bread freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser but still delicious loaf. Using all whole wheat flour may make the texture heavier and less tender.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you may reduce the granulated sugar in the batter slightly without affecting the structure. Just keep in mind the cinnamon swirl relies on sugar for its flavor and texture, so adjust that part cautiously.

What type of milk should I use?
Any type of milk works well, including dairy and non-dairy options like almond or oat milk.