Get ready to fill your home with the most inviting aromas and indulge in a slice of pure comfort with this delightful Cinnamon Sugar Loaf! This easy-to-bake quick bread is perfectly fluffy, wonderfully moist, and boasts an irresistible sweet cinnamon swirl (and topping!) that will make every bite a warm hug. It’s the ideal treat for breakfast, a coffee break, or a simple dessert, guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Sugar Loaf is a true gem in my baking repertoire. What I love most is its incredible simplicity combined with the phenomenal payoff in flavor and texture. The loaf itself is wonderfully tender and moist, infused with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla. But the star of the show is that glorious cinnamon sugar topping that creates a subtly crunchy, spiced crust. It’s an easy bake that smells divine as it cooks, instantly making your home feel cozy and welcoming. It’s comforting, satisfying, and disappears fast!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this beautifully aromatic and delicious Cinnamon Sugar Loaf:
For the Loaf:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Swaps and Notes
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute: add 3/4 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the 3/4 cup with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for the loaf and brushing, as it allows you to control the salt content.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is classic, but light brown sugar can be used in the loaf for a deeper, molasses flavor.
- Spices: You can increase the cinnamon slightly if you’re a cinnamon enthusiast! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice could also be added to the loaf for more warmth.
- Add-ins (Optional): For extra texture, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or even a handful of dried cranberries into the batter.
Directions
Let’s get this perfectly fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Loaf baking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Greasing it well is key to easy removal later and ensuring your loaf doesn’t stick!
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until they are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain. They should be “best buddies.”
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, the 1/2 cup of melted butter, the 2 large eggs, and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Add Buttermilk to Wet: Stir the 3/4 cup of buttermilk into the wet mixture until everything is nicely combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Gently: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry into the wet just until combined. Be super gentle and avoid overmixing! Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Prepare Topping: While the loaf is baking, prepare your dreamy cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined. In a separate small microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter for brushing.
- Brush & Sprinkle: Once the loaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly. Then, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a wire cooling rack. While still warm, brush the top (and sides, if desired) generously with the melted butter.
- Coat & Cool: Immediately sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar topping all over the buttered top of the loaf. Press it gently to adhere. Let that beautiful loaf cool completely on the wire rack before slicing into it. This ensures the loaf sets properly and the crumbs are well-formed.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is the golden rule for quick breads! Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender, fluffy crumb.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour (don’t scoop directly from the bag) to avoid adding too much, which can result in a dry loaf.
- Warm Loaf for Topping: Brushing the melted butter and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar while the loaf is still warm allows the butter to absorb and the sugar to stick beautifully.
- Cool Completely: While tempting to slice into a warm loaf, letting it cool completely allows the structure to set and prevents it from crumbling.
- Test for Doneness: A toothpick coming out clean is the best indicator that your loaf is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cinnamon Sugar Loaf is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- Coffee or Tea: An absolute classic pairing for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
- Breakfast Spread: Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a comforting breakfast.
- Dessert: A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can turn it into an easy dessert.
- Gift: This loaf makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
- For other comforting baked goods that fill your home with wonderful aromas, check out our Chocolate Chip Banana Bread or Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This loaf stores well, making it great for enjoying over several days!
- Room Temperature: Store cooled Cinnamon Sugar Loaf in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating (from Frozen): Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can gently warm slices in the microwave (15-30 seconds) or in a toaster oven for a slightly crispier edge. A whole loaf can be warmed in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent burning the topping.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, comforting, and easy nature of this loaf, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic dessert and baked good recipes:
- For another classic comfort dessert, check out The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot.
- If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent treats, our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession are a must-try!
- And for a beloved dessert that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, don’t miss This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
- Finally, for another excellent way to use up ripe bananas, our Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is always a winner.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Loaf is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience of cozy aromas and delightful flavors. It’s a simple bake that yields impressive results – a perfectly fluffy, sweet, and spiced treat that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or just enjoying with a warm beverage, it truly embodies baked comfort.
Give this easy bake a try and let the sweet cinnamon magic fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite quick bread to bake? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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