Cinnamon Sugar Quick Bread

SAVE THIS!

Description

This cinnamon sugar quick bread is moist, tender, and swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar ribbon that melts into every slice. It tastes like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a classic pound cake — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• ⅓ cup brown sugar (or white sugar)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional Topping

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir just until combined — do not overmix.
5. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan.
7. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the batter.
8. Add remaining batter, then top with remaining cinnamon sugar.
9. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers.
10. Sprinkle optional cinnamon-sugar topping on top.
11. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
12. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips for Success

• Do not overmix — this keeps the bread tender.
• For extra moisture, substitute half the oil with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to set the swirl.

Optional Additions

• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Raisins or diced apples
• Vanilla glaze or cream cheese drizzle
• A pinch of nutmeg for warmth

Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)

• Calories: 240
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 4g

Origin & Cultural Note

Quick breads became popular in home kitchens with the introduction of baking powder and baking soda, offering a faster alternative to yeast breads. Cinnamon-sugar versions are especially beloved in American and European baking for their comforting aroma and nostalgic flavor.

Conclusion

This cinnamon sugar quick bread delivers bakery-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.