If you’re craving something sweet, cozy, and incredibly simple to make, Cinnamon Sugar Bread is your answer. This irresistible quick bread combines the rich warmth of cinnamon with a sugary crust, giving you the taste of a cinnamon donut in every slice. Best of all? You can whip it up in about an hour with pantry staples.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. What makes it even better is that it falls under the quick bread category, which means no yeast and no rise time. You can learn more about how quick breads work from King Arthur Baking’s guide on quick breads, which is a great resource for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Another reason to love cinnamon sugar bread is its main ingredient—cinnamon. This beloved spice not only adds flavor but also comes with several health perks. In fact, Healthline’s article on the benefits of cinnamon highlights how cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar and has antioxidant properties.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Bread

No yeast or rising time required
Ready in about an hour
Tastes like a cinnamon sugar cake donut
Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack
Kid-friendly and lunchbox-approved
Freezes well for later use

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious loaf:

All-purpose flour – for structure
Granulated sugar – both in the batter and for the swirl
Ground cinnamon – the star of the show
Baking powder – your leavening agent
Salt – to balance the sweetness
Milk – helps hydrate and smooth the batter
Egg – binds everything together
Canola or vegetable oil – for moisture
Vanilla extract – enhances flavor
Butter – to grease the pan and add richness

Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, raisins, or a streusel topping.

Tools You’ll Need

9×5” loaf pan
Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
Whisk and spatula
Toothpick (for doneness check)
Cooling rack

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Follow these easy steps to bake your loaf:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with butter.
In a small bowl, combine:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
  Mix and set aside for the swirl.
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar
In another bowl, mix:
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed.
Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mix.
Add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Swirl with a butter knife.
Bake for 45–50 minutes. Test with a toothpick.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Don’t overmix the batter; it should be slightly lumpy
Use a metal loaf pan for even baking
Always check multiple spots with a toothpick
Avoid letting the cinnamon sugar sit too long on top, or it might burn
If it collapses after baking, it may be underbaked or overmixed

Flavor Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these creative spins:

Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread – Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
Apple Swirl Bread – Mix in chopped apples
Pecan Topping – Add crushed nuts before baking
Chocolate Twist – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers
Maple Glaze – Drizzle with maple syrup icing once cooled

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with butter or cream cheese
Toast slices for breakfast
Pair with coffee, chai, or milk
Top with vanilla ice cream for a dessert
Make mini loaves for brunch or holidays

Storage & Freezing Tips

To maintain freshness:

Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days
Refrigerate for up to 1 week
Wrap in plastic + foil for freezer storage (up to 3 months)
Reheat in the toaster or microwave for that fresh-baked warmth

More tips are available in this guide to storing baked goods safely.

Make-Ahead & Gifting Ideas

Bake multiple loaves and freeze
Use decorative parchment to wrap for gifts
Make in muffin tins (bake 15–18 mins)
Try it in a Bundt pan for a festive shape

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing – leads to tough texture
Underbaking – center may sink
Too much cinnamon on top – may burn
Wrong pan size – could affect cooking time

Nutrition (Approximate)

Calories per slice: ~290
Sugar per slice: ~22g
Fat: ~9g
Adjust with sugar substitutes or plant-based milk/oil

FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Can I make cinnamon sugar bread without eggs?
Yes, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or commercial egg replacer.

What’s the difference between cinnamon swirl and cinnamon sugar bread?
Cinnamon swirl often has a yeast base, while cinnamon sugar bread is a quick bread—faster and simpler to make.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white?
Absolutely. It will give the bread a richer, molasses-like flavor and a slightly darker crust.

How do I prevent cinnamon sugar from sinking or burning?
Layer it in the middle and swirl gently. Avoid piling it thickly on top.

This cinnamon sugar bread is an all-around crowd-pleaser that’s easy, delicious, and versatile. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.