There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through your home while baking. It’s a scent that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen. There’s no doubt that having a warm slice of freshly baked cinnamon bread is pure comfort food. This Old Fashioned Baked Cinnamon Bread is not only delightful but also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect recipe for seasoned cooks and beginners alike.
At the heart of this recipe are simple yet classic ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour create a sturdy base; 1 tablespoon of baking powder provides the lift; and 1 teaspoon each of salt and ground cinnamon add the flavor. Half a cup of granulated sugar balances sweetness with 1/2 cup of unsalted melted butter to enhance the richness. When you mix in 1 cup of milk, two large eggs, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, you elevate the flavor profile. A sprinkle of brown sugar and an additional teaspoon of cinnamon on top adds a delightful crunch. The result? A sweet, spiced, and buttery loaf that will keep you coming back for more.
The process is delightfully straightforward. First, you will preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. In one bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. You will slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones, stirring just until combined. With half of the batter in the pan, a generous sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon mixture follows, then the rest of the batter on top. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, and voilà! You can enjoy a slice of comforting, warm cinnamon bread.
This delightful treat is especially perfect for chilly nights spent curled up with a book or shared among friends at potlucks and family gatherings. It is always a hit, no matter the occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Baked Cinnamon Bread
- Quick to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this bread in no time.
- Familiar Ingredients: You probably already have many of these pantry staples at home.
- Comfort Food: Perfectly spiced and sweet, this bread warms the heart and soul.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or drizzled with a bit of honey.
- Great for Hosting: Impress your friends and family with minimal effort.
All-Purpose Flour Tips
The base of this wonderful bread is all-purpose flour. When selecting flour, look for a brand that feels fine and soft to the touch. Make sure that it is fresh, as older flour can lead to flat and dense results. For better ease in measuring, consider fluffing your flour before scooping it into your measuring cup. This prevents compacting, ensuring that the flour isn’t too densely packed when you measure your three cups. Using a kitchen scale for precision can also enhance your baking results.
Options for Substitutions
- Use whole-wheat flour for a more wholesome loaf.
- Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a lactose-free version.
- Trade eggs for flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan alternative.
- Experiment with using pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
When making your Old Fashioned Baked Cinnamon Bread, there are a few common pitfalls you should be aware of.
First, be cautious not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, which is not desirable in a soft bread. Stir until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Another mistake is not greasing the loaf pan properly. This can lead to frustrating moments when trying to remove your lovely loaf from the pan. Make sure to butter the pan evenly or use a non-stick spray for a smooth release.
The baking time is essential as well. Be sure to start checking for doneness at about the 45-minute mark. Ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking your bread, which can cause it to dry out.
Lastly, be aware of the ingredients’ temperature. Using ingredients straight from the fridge, particularly eggs and milk, can affect the consistency of your batter. It’s best to bring them to room temperature for optimal mixing.
What to Serve With Old Fashioned Baked Cinnamon Bread?
This delicious cinnamon bread pairs well with various delicious options. You might enjoy it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit salad, which brightens the dish beautifully. A side of creamy yogurt complements the sweetness and adds a satisfying finish. Alternatively, serve it with a cup of warm apple cider for an autumnal feel or a steaming cup of coffee to kick-start your mornings.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep your baked cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, this bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy access to individual servings.
Reheat: To warm slices, you can use the stovetop by placing them in a pan over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until soft.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: Approximately 10 slices
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1,200-1,400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 60-70g
- Carbohydrates: 150-180g
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon additional cinnamon for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a loaf pan either with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your bread easily releases once baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. This mixture is the foundation of your bread, so ensure even mixing.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is combined and smooth. This will add moisture and richness to your bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then, in a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the loaf pan.
Step 6: Finish and Bake
Pour the remaining batter over the brown sugar mixture in the loaf pan. Finally, top the loaf with the rest of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
As the enticing aroma of this Old Fashioned Baked Cinnamon Bread fills your kitchen, you will surely enjoy every moment of making it. The simple pleasure of pulling a warm loaf from your oven cannot be overstated. I encourage you to try this recipe, and when you do, please share your thoughts and variations. Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes that can accompany your baking adventures! Happy baking!
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Old Fashioned Baked Cinnamon Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make cinnamon bread that pairs perfectly with family gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon additional cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients: melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in another bowl.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the batter.
- Finish with the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For best results, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure ingredients are at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
