Imagine a warm, fluffy loaf of bread infused with the rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar, reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll but in a convenient loaf form. This Cinnamon Roll Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day. The combination of soft, moist dough and the gooey cinnamon sugar swirl creates a delightful texture that will leave you craving more. This recipe is not only delicious but also relatively easy to make, using common pantry ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cinnamon roll bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
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For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup canola oil
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For the cinnamon sugar swirl:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
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For the vanilla glaze:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
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Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and canola oil until well mixed.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
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Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
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Layer the batter and cinnamon sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, followed by the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Create the swirl: Gently run a knife through the batter a few times to create the cinnamon swirl without mixing in all the cinnamon sugar.
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Bake the bread: Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
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Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
Top Tips
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Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough bread. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
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Test for doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
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Cool completely: Resist the temptation to slice the bread warm. Let it cool completely to ensure the best texture.
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Use the right milk: Whole milk provides the best results due to its extra fat content, which helps tenderize the dough.
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Tap the pan: After adding the batter, tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles and even out the top.
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Brush with butter (optional): Brushing the bread with melted butter before baking can add an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Variations
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Brown Sugar Swirl: Replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, richer flavor.
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Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
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Spiced Cinnamon: Mix in a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of spice.
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Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a cream cheese glaze by whisking together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
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Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter over the bread before baking for an extra crunchy layer.
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Glazed with Honey: Drizzle the cooled bread with honey instead of powdered sugar for a sweeter, more caramel-like glaze.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | |
|—————————————-| |
| Servings | 8-10 slices |
| Calories | 250-300 per slice |
| Fat | 10-12g (mostly from milk and oil) |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40g (from sugar, flour, and milk) |
| Protein | 3-4g (from egg and milk) |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This recipe is relatively high in carbohydrates due to the sugar and flour content. However, the use of whole milk and egg provides some protein and fat, making it a more balanced treat. For a healthier version, consider reducing the amount of sugar or using less oil. The cream cheese glaze option adds more calories but also provides a richer flavor experience.
