Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Bread

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Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Bread – A Sweet Slice of Home

Some recipes aren’t just food—they’re memory. Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Bread is one of those rare treasures. Soft, tender, kissed with cinnamon, and crowned with a sparkling sugar crust, this bread is the kind you wrap in a tea towel and place on the breakfast table with love.

Every slice carries nostalgia: the smell of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen, the sweet crunch of the topping, and the warmth of family traditions. It’s not flashy. It’s not fussy. But it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself baking again and again—for Sunday mornings, holidays, or just because.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, Hand-Stirred Comfort – No mixer required, just one bowl and a spoon.
• Warm Cinnamon Flavor – Perfectly balanced between sweet and spiced.
• The Magic Topping – Buttery sugar-cinnamon crust that makes it unforgettable.
• Family-Tested & Loved – Passed down through generations, always a hit.

 Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk & spatula
• Small bowl for topping
• Serrated knife for slicing
• Wire cooling rack

 Ingredients

For the Loaf

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and dust with flour, or line with parchment for easy lifting.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine Gently

Pour wet mixture into dry. Stir with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Don’t overmix.

5. Bake the Loaf

Transfer batter to the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

6. Add the Topping

While still warm, brush loaf with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the top.

7. Cool & Serve

Let loaf rest 10–15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Slice with a serrated knife for clean pieces.

 Pro Tips

• Use room-temp milk and eggs for a smoother batter.
• For a richer flavor, swap in buttermilk.
• Don’t skip the topping—it’s what makes this loaf irresistible.
• Wrap while slightly warm for a soft crust; leave uncovered for crispier edges.

 Serving, Pairing & Storage

• Serve With: Hot coffee, chai, or a tall glass of milk.
• Pair With: Fresh fruit or scrambled eggs for a full breakfast.
• Storage: Airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or refrigerate up to 5.
• Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly in plastic + foil; freeze up to 3 months.

 Variations & Substitutions

• Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins.
• Dairy-Free: Use oat or almond milk + vegan butter.
• Gluten-Free: Replace with 1:1 GF flour blend (with xanthan gum).
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.

 FAQ

Q: Can I make muffins instead?
A: Yes—fill muffin cups ¾ full and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

Q: Why did my loaf sink?
A: Likely underbaked or oven door opened too soon. Check with a toothpick and keep door closed until near the end.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Bake in two loaf pans or a bundt pan (adjust bake time).

Q: Can I skip the topping?
A: You can—but it won’t taste like grandma’s. The cinnamon-sugar crust is what makes it iconic.

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Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Bread

A tender, cinnamon-spiced quick bread with a buttery, crackly sugar topping—simple, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Loaf:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup butter melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp butter melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Equipment

• Loaf pan
• mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry until just mixed.
5. Pour into pan, smooth top. Bake 50–60 mins.
6. While warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mix on top.
7. Cool 10–15 mins before removing from pan. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

Store airtight at room temp up to 3 days.

Freeze up to 3 months.

For muffins, bake 20–25 mins at 350°F.