Cinnamon Streusel Bread

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of cinnamon drifting from the oven. It wraps around you like a warm hug and fills your kitchen with that nostalgic, sweet-spice aroma. This Cinnamon Streusel Bread is that kind of cozy in edible form — soft and tender inside with a golden, buttery crust, topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that crackles ever so slightly when you bite into it. It’s perfect with a morning coffee, a cozy afternoon break, or just because you need a little joy baked into your day.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born on a chilly Sunday when I craved something that reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen. She used to make the most delightful cinnamon rolls, but I wanted something quicker — less rolling and more loafing. I took inspiration from her classic flavors and transformed them into an easy, sliceable treat. That first loaf barely made it to the cooling rack before slices started disappearing. Now it’s a staple in our home and always brings smiles.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cinnamon breads like this one have their roots in European baking, particularly in German and Scandinavian kitchens where cinnamon-spiced yeasted loaves are common. The streusel topping, which means “sprinkle” or “strew” in German, has become a hallmark in American-style quick breads and muffins. This loaf combines the convenience of American quick bread with old-world flavors for a truly comforting bake.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Streusel Bread

There’s so much to adore about this recipe, from its ease to its flavor-packed finish. Here’s why you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation:

Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or as a mid-day snack.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Quick and Easy: No yeast required and minimal prep — just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Customizable: Add chopped nuts, swap in brown butter, or drizzle with icing for a twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or as a giftable bake.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist for days and freezes beautifully.

Great for Leftovers: Pop a slice in the toaster or warm it up with a smear of butter.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Baking this bread to perfection is easier than you think, especially with these little tricks up your sleeve:

• Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter and better rise.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the flour disappears for a tender crumb.
• Create deep swirls by layering the cinnamon sugar mix through the batter.
• Keep an eye on it near the end — a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let it cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and better flavor development.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

All you need are a few kitchen basics to pull off this cozy loaf:

Mixing Bowls: For combining the batter and streusel ingredients.

Whisk and Spatula: To blend and fold the ingredients gently.

8×4 or 9×5 Loaf Pan: Either size works, just adjust the baking time slightly.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters in baking, so don’t eyeball here.

Cooling Rack: Allows your bread to cool evenly after baking.

Ingredients in Cinnamon Streusel Bread

This lineup of ingredients comes together in perfect harmony, creating a soft, flavorful loaf with a sweet, crumbly crown.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups — Gives the bread its structure and softness.
2. Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup — Sweetens the loaf without overpowering the cinnamon.
3. Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup — Adds depth and moisture, especially in the streusel.
4. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (softened) — Brings richness and moisture.
5. Eggs: 2 large — Helps bind the ingredients and give structure.
6. Milk: 3/4 cup — Keeps the loaf tender and moist.
7. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons — Gives the bread lift and a light texture.
8. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon — Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
9. Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons — Adds warmth and spice throughout.
10. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon — Adds a subtle aromatic note.
11. All-Purpose Flour (for streusel): 1/3 cup — Creates that crumbly topping.
12. Cold Butter (for streusel): 1/4 cup — Makes the streusel crisp and flaky.

Ingredient Substitutions

It’s easy to adapt this recipe if you’re missing an ingredient:

Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk.

Butter: Try coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.

Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or more granulated sugar.

Eggs: Replace with 1/4 cup plain yogurt per egg for a vegetarian version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Cinnamon: The heart of this recipe, cinnamon infuses every bite with warmth and coziness.

Brown Sugar: Its molasses content brings extra moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that deepens the flavor of both the bread and streusel.

Instructions for Making Cinnamon Streusel Bread

Get ready to bake up something incredibly comforting. Here’s how to bring this cinnamon-swirled dream to life:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the remaining cinnamon.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over the batter. Add the rest of the batter, then top with remaining cinnamon sugar. Swirl gently with a butter knife.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   In another small bowl, combine streusel ingredients: flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use a fork to blend into crumbs. Sprinkle over the batter. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a rack. Drizzle with simple glaze if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice and serve warm or at room temp, maybe with a pat of butter or dusting of powdered sugar.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This bread’s secret lies in its beautiful contrast — the tender, moist crumb inside against that crackly, sweet streusel top. The cinnamon sugar layers melt into the batter, creating swirls of flavor that burst in every bite. The brown sugar adds that slight stickiness and depth that makes you want another slice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few helpful nuggets to make your bake smoother:

• Use cold butter for the streusel to keep it crumbly.
• Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil halfway through.
• For an extra flavor twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter.

What to Avoid

To make sure everything turns out just right, here’s what not to do:

• Don’t overmix or your bread may turn dense and chewy.
• Avoid using melted butter in the streusel or it won’t stay crumbly.
• Don’t skip lining the pan — it helps the loaf come out clean.
• Resist cutting the bread while hot — it needs to cool to hold its shape.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 290

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this bread? It keeps beautifully. You can bake it ahead, wrap it tightly, and store it at room temp for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices individually and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a toaster or microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve Cinnamon Streusel Bread

This loaf shines all on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Warm with a smear of salted butter or cream cheese.
• Paired with a chai latte or cup of coffee.
• Topped with vanilla glaze or dusted with powdered sugar for brunch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extra slices? Here’s how to reinvent them:

• Turn into cinnamon streusel French toast.
• Cube and bake into bread pudding.
• Toast and top with yogurt and berries for breakfast.

Additional Tips

Little extras that make a big difference:

• Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for crunch.
• Use buttermilk for an even more tender crumb.
• Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk for an added sweet finish.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters! For a bakery-worthy look, drizzle a zigzag of glaze over the cooled loaf and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve on a rustic wooden board with a linen napkin tucked underneath, and let those cinnamon swirls peek through each slice.

Variations to Try

Want to change things up? Try these twists:

• Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread: Add diced apples to the batter.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace 1/3 of the milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread: Fold in mini chocolate chips for an indulgent upgrade.
• Lemon Glazed Cinnamon Bread: Swap vanilla for lemon zest and juice in the glaze.
• Cinnamon Nut Bread: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q2. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, though butter adds more flavor. Use 1/2 cup vegetable oil if needed.

Q3. How do I know when it’s done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Q4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just bake in two loaf pans or a larger pan and adjust time accordingly.

Q5. Why did my streusel sink?
Your batter might have been too loose. Make sure to layer it properly and don’t overmix.

Q6. Can I skip the streusel topping?
You can, but it adds a lot of flavor and texture. Consider sprinkling cinnamon sugar instead.

Q7. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q8. Can I add raisins?
Sure. Soak them in warm water first to keep them plump and juicy.

Q9. How do I make the glaze?
Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of milk until drizzly.

Q10. What’s the best way to slice the loaf?
Use a serrated knife and wait until it’s completely cool to get clean slices.

Conclusion

There you have it — a loaf of cinnamon comfort that’s as easy to bake as it is to devour. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend breakfast or sharing it with someone you love, this Cinnamon Streusel Bread is bound to be a repeat request. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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