Name: Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 cup granulated white sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon; 1 ¼ teaspoons salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 Tablespoons granulated white sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 8 reviews

I absolutely adore this Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe because it’s one of those delightful treats that feels both comforting and fresh every time I make it. The perfect balance of warm cinnamon spice and tender, moist bread combined with a simple streusel topping makes it incredibly irresistible. Whether I want a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack, this bread never fails to deliver that homemade goodness with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe is the fantastic flavor profile. It has that nurturing cinnamon warmth that wraps around your senses, but it’s not overpowering—instead, it wonderfully enhances the subtle sweetness and the richness from the buttermilk and the vanilla. The streusel topping adds the perfect crunch and sugary swirl that makes each bite so satisfying. It’s like a hug in bread form!

Another thing that makes this recipe truly stand out for me is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. I usually have these simple ingredients on hand, and the mixing process is straightforward—no fussing over yeast rising or complex steps. It’s perfect for busy mornings, last-minute guests, or whenever I’m craving something comforting without spending hours baking. Also, it’s wonderfully versatile—I love bringing it to family brunches or sharing it during cozy holiday gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a baked loaf in a clear glass rectangular dish, showing a rough, golden brown crust with darker brown patches and cracked, uneven texture on the top layer. The loaf appears to be well risen with a slightly crispy surface. The background features a white marbled texture, and a woman's hand is faintly visible holding the dish on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from giving the bread its moist texture to delivering that classic cinnamon flavor and a tender crumb. These staples come together to create a loaf that’s both hearty and soft, with that delightful cinnamon sugar topping adding irresistible texture and sweetness.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure while keeping the bread tender and soft.
Granulated white sugar: Sweetens the loaf just right and helps the streusel create that crunchy topping.
Baking powder: Gives the bread a light, fluffy rise without needing yeast.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and the signature spicy sweetness that defines this recipe.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors beautifully.
Buttermilk: Keeps the bread moist and adds subtle tanginess for depth of flavor.
Vegetable oil: Ensures a tender crumb and prevents dryness.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the taste, adding a lovely aromatic hint.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the bread for a lovely texture.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): Makes the streusel moist and crunchy for a perfect top layer.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the oven is fully heated before baking to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare your baking pan by spraying a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan generously with non-stick spray. This stops the bread from sticking and helps it release easily after baking.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine all the bread ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat everything together for about 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the streusel ingredients: sugar, cinnamon, and room temperature butter. I like to use a fork to combine them until crumbly and well mixed. Then sprinkle this streusel mixture evenly over the batter and gently swirl it on top using a butter knife or toothpick for a marbled effect.

Step 6: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The bread is done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to slice.

Servings and Timing

This Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe makes about 15 slices, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. The prep time is incredibly short at just 10 minutes, which means you can whip it up on a busy morning without stress. Baking takes between 45 and 55 minutes, giving you a total time commitment of around 55 minutes. Don’t forget to allow some cooling time so your bread slices beautifully and tastes fantastic!

How to Serve This Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a sliced loaf of bread on a white plate. The bread has three visible thick slices, with a golden brown crust on the top and edges, and a soft, light beige inside with a slightly crumbly texture. The top crust appears rough and cracked, giving it a homemade and rustic look. The white marbled surface beneath the plate is slightly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this cinnamon bread slightly warm—it really brings out the cinnamon aroma and melts the streusel topping wonderfully. Sometimes I toast slices lightly and add a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a morning treat. It’s also fantastic with a spread of cream cheese if you want to mix sweet and tangy flavors together.

For a more festive occasion, I like to garnish slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze to make it extra special. Plating it on a pretty dish with fresh berries on the side elevates the humble loaf and makes it party-ready in no time!

When it comes to beverages, this bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte to complement the cinnamon. On cooler evenings, a warm spiced cider or even a glass of dessert wine feels indulgent and cozy with a slice of this bread. I find it perfect for casual family breakfasts, brunch with friends, or a comforting snack anytime.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, I’ve found this Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe is wonderfully flexible. For example, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works well if you want to make it gluten-free, just keep an eye on the texture since some blends behave differently. To make it vegan, I substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a non-dairy milk with a splash of vinegar instead of buttermilk, which still yields great results.

Another favorite variation of mine is adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the batter or sprinkled on top with the streusel for extra crunch. If you like a bit more fruity dimension, stirring in some raisins or chopped apples really enhances the cinnamon notes. You could even experiment by baking mini muffins instead of a loaf for bite-sized treats, adjusting the baking time to around 18-22 minutes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover cinnamon bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed inside an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it fresh and soft for up to five days. If you’re planning to enjoy it soon, keeping it wrapped on the counter is the easiest, no-fuss method.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully, which is perfect for making it ahead. After it has completely cooled, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. When frozen this way, it maintains its flavor and texture for up to two months. When you want some, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

Reheating

To bring leftover or thawed slices back to life, I warm them in a toaster oven or under the broiler for just a couple of minutes to revive that soft, just-baked texture and crisp the edges lightly. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the bread soggy or rubbery. A quick warm up restores all that lovely cinnamon aroma and the buttery streusel crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes, you can! To mimic buttermilk’s tangy flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This works well to keep the bread tender while providing the right acidity for the baking powder to activate.

Is it possible to make this Cinnamon Quick Bread recipe without an electric mixer?

Absolutely. You can mix everything by hand using a whisk or wooden spoon. It might take a bit more time to get a smooth batter, but the bread will still turn out delicious. Just be sure not to overmix to avoid a dense texture.

How do I know when my quick bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more baking time. Also, the bread should spring back when lightly pressed.

Can I add extra cinnamon or spices to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to increase the cinnamon slightly if you love that spice, or add other warming spices like nutmeg or cloves for a twist. Just be cautious not to overwhelm the balance—you want the cinnamon to shine without other spices competing too much.

What’s the best way to slice this bread without it crumbling?

The key is to let the bread cool completely before slicing, which allows it to firm up nicely. Using a serrated knife and slicing gently with a rocking motion helps keep the slices clean and prevents crumbling.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe as I am to share it! It’s one of those simple pleasures that turns everyday moments into something special with its heartwarming cinnamon flavor and easy, fuss-free preparation. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a quick sweet treat, this bread will become a beloved staple in your kitchen like it is in mine. Happy baking!