Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bread Recipe
When you take your first bite of this cinnamon bread, you’ll immediately understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The warm, comforting aroma fills the air, inviting you to indulge.
Each slice offers a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, creating an irresistible flavor that dances on your taste buds. It’s soft, yet has a delightful texture that makes it perfect for toasting or enjoying fresh.
Plus, it’s versatile enough for breakfast or a cozy snack. I love sharing it with family and friends, and it always brings smiles—there’s just something special about homemade cinnamon bread!
Ingredients of Cinnamon Bread
When it comes to baking cinnamon bread, the ingredients are what make the magic happen. You’ll find that this recipe calls for some familiar staples, along with a few special touches that elevate the flavor. The combination of whole wheat flour and bread flour gives the bread a hearty texture, while the orange juice and zest brighten everything up with a zingy freshness.
And let’s not forget the cinnamon and sugar that create that sweet, aromatic swirl that makes cinnamon bread so irresistible. Now, let’s explore the list of ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat.
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup scalded milk
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar (for the dough)
- 1/4 cup oil or butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon grated orange rind
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups bread flour (adjust as needed)
- 1/3 cup sugar (for the filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Now, before you start gathering these ingredients, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, if you’re like me and tend to forget to take your butter out of the fridge ahead of time, don’t fret. You can melt it and let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.
Also, using freshly grated orange rind instead of the pre-packaged stuff can really amp up the flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Just remember, baking is as much about having fun as it’s about following the recipe, so feel free to get creative!
How to Make Cinnamon Bread
Making cinnamon bread is like starting a delightful baking adventure, where the aroma of warm spices and fresh bread fills your kitchen. To start, grab 1/4 cup of warm water and sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of dry active yeast. Give it a gentle stir to dissolve, and let it sit for a few minutes while you gather your other ingredients. It’s like giving the yeast a little pep talk, getting it pumped up for the rising action ahead.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour with 1 cup of scalded milk, 3/4 cup of orange juice, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Then, add in 1/4 cup of oil or melted butter (if you forgot to take it out of the fridge, no worries—just let it cool a bit), 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of grated orange rind, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Mix everything together until it’s well blended.
Once that mixture has cooled down to lukewarm, it’s time to introduce the yeast mixture. Stir it in until everything is nicely combined. Now, this is where the fun begins—slowly add in 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups of bread flour until you have a soft dough. You mightn’t need all the flour, but that’s okay; just knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
Next, place your dough in a greased bowl, flipping it around to coat both sides, and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise until it’s doubled in size—this usually takes about 1 1/4 hours, which is the perfect time to clean up the flour explosion in your kitchen.
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to punch it down (yes, really) and divide it in half. Roll or stretch each piece into a rectangle, about 15 x 7 inches. Now, mix 1/3 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and sprinkle it generously over the dough rectangles. Roll them up like a jelly roll, then place each roll in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans.
Let them rise again until they double in size—this is the moment when you can almost taste the cinnamon goodness. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, and once they’re golden brown, let them sit in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool. The wait is going to be tough, but trust me, it’ll be worth it when the first slice is warm and fresh.
Cinnamon Bread Substitutions & Variations
Cinnamon bread is incredibly versatile, so if you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
I often swap out whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. If you’re not a fan of orange juice, apple cider or even milk works well.
For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
For a sweeter loaf, drizzle a simple glaze on top after baking. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this bread can adapt to your taste!
Additional Tips & Notes
If you’re enthusiastic to elevate your cinnamon bread experience, there are a few additional tips that can make a big difference.
First, make sure your yeast is fresh; it’s essential for a good rise. I recommend letting the dough rise in a warm spot—this speeds up the process.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture enhances the flavor beautifully. For a touch of decadence, drizzle a simple icing over the bread once it cools.
Finally, wrap leftovers tightly to keep them fresh, or freeze for later. Trust me, these tweaks will take your cinnamon bread to the next level!