There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon sugar wafting through the house—it feels like a warm hug from the oven.
This Cinnamon Sugar Bread takes me right back to childhood weekends, when my mom would bake a fresh loaf just in time for a cozy breakfast or lazy afternoon snack.
Soft, buttery, and swirled with warm spices, this bread is the ultimate comfort treat.
And the best part? That golden cinnamon-sugar crust on top—crunchy, fragrant, and totally irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet, tender crumb with warm cinnamon notes
Buttery crust coated in cinnamon-sugar
Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert
No mixer needed—just bowls and a whisk
Keeps beautifully for days and makes great gifts
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of this soft, tender loaf.
Baking powder & baking soda: Help the bread rise light and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy, aromatic flavor.
Buttermilk: Makes the crumb moist and slightly tangy.
Melted butter: Used in both the batter and the topping for rich, buttery goodness.
Cinnamon-sugar topping: The star finish—sweet, sparkly, and fragrant.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix—stir just until dry ingredients are incorporated.
Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Apply the cinnamon-sugar topping while the loaf is still warm so it sticks perfectly.
Let the bread cool fully before slicing to maintain its soft texture.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Whisk until smooth, then stir in the buttermilk.
Step 4: Combine to Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just incorporated.
Don’t overmix!
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
While the bread bakes, melt the butter in a small bowl.
In another bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Once the loaf is out of the oven, cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Then brush melted butter all over the top and sides, and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the loaf.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy warm with tea, coffee, or a pat of butter.
What to Serve It With
A hot cup of coffee or chai
Sliced apples or fresh berries
A dollop of whipped cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
Variations / Substitutions
No buttermilk? Mix ¾ cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice and let sit 5 mins.
Add-ins: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for a spicier profile.
Mini loaves: Bake in smaller pans—reduce baking time to 30–35 minutes.
Storage & Leftovers
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate to keep fresh for up to 1 week.
Freeze sliced and wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Toast leftover slices for a warm, crisp treat!
FAQs
Can I use plain milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Add lemon juice to mimic buttermilk if needed.
Why is my bread dry or crumbly?
Overbaking or overmixing can cause dryness. Make sure to measure flour correctly.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce slightly for a less sweet version—but it may affect the topping’s texture.
How do I make it extra moist?
Don’t overbake and be sure to use real buttermilk. You can also add a tablespoon of sour cream.
Can I make muffins with this batter?
Absolutely! Fill muffin cups ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Is the topping necessary?
It adds texture and sweetness, but you can skip or use a simple glaze instead.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use two loaf pans and increase baking time slightly—just check with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Bread is warm, sweet, and wonderfully simple—like a hug in loaf form.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s one of those easy bakes that never fails to delight.
Each slice is pure comfort, especially when shared with a cup of coffee and good company.
Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in buttermilk.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/cinnamon-sugar-bread/
Notes
- For extra indulgence, swirl some cinnamon-sugar directly into the batter before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Delicious served warm with a pat of butter.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.