If you’re searching for that perfect morning treat or a cozy afternoon snack, look no further than this Cinnamon Crunch Bread. Imagine a soft, pillowy loaf with layers of sweet cinnamon sugar and a crackly, buttery topping that shatters with every bite. The magic of homemade bread is that it’s both comforting and deeply satisfying, filling your kitchen with the irresistible perfume of cinnamon as it bakes. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted the next day, Cinnamon Crunch Bread promises a touch of indulgence in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Crunch Bread lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special — fluffiness, flavor, or that signature crunch — so don’t skip or skimp! Here’s what you’ll need and exactly what makes each item shine:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): This is your base, giving the bread its tender but sturdy structure.
- Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Lets the dough rise quickly and creates an airy crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough, 1/2 cup for swirl, 1/4 cup for topping): Sweetens the bread and amplifies that unmistakable cinnamon swirl and crunch.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and lifts the sweetness.
- Warm milk, 110°F (1 cup): Creates a rich, soft dough and activates the yeast for a lovely rise.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted for dough, 2 tablespoons melted for swirl, 3 tablespoons cold and cubed for topping): Adds richness and flavor, and helps the topping bake up crispy.
- Egg, room temperature (1 large): Binds the dough and adds tenderness and color.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons for swirl, 1 teaspoon for topping): The star flavor that gives this bread its iconic aroma and warmth.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup for topping): Deepens the crunch’s flavor and adds gorgeous caramel notes.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup for topping): Helps the crunchy top hold its structure instead of melting into the bread.
How to Make Cinnamon Crunch Bread
Step 1: Mix Your Dough
Begin by combining the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until everything comes together into a soft dough. If you’re kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7 minutes; with a stand mixer, 5 minutes will do. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky to the touch.
Step 2: Let It Rise
Once kneaded, transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it. Set it somewhere warm and draft-free, and let it rise for around 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is where the yeast works its magic, ensuring your Cinnamon Crunch Bread will be pillowy and light.
Step 3: Roll & Swirl
Grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. Next, prepare the cinnamon sugar for the swirl by stirring together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Gently punch down the dough to release any air, then roll it out into a 9 by 14-inch rectangle. Brush the surface with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the dough for maximum cinnamon coverage. Starting from the short side, roll the dough up tightly into a log, and pinch the seam shut, keeping all that cinnamon goodness inside.
Step 4: Assemble and Second Rise
Place your rolled log, seam-side down, in the prepared loaf pan. For the signature crunch, make the topping: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then cut in the cold cubed butter until you have a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this generously over your dough. Cover the pan and let the loaf rise in a warm spot for another 30 to 40 minutes, until noticeably puffy — this final rise ensures a lofty Cinnamon Crunch Bread.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide your bread in and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the top in the last stretch; if it’s browning quickly, lightly tent with foil so it stays crisp, not burned. The bread is ready when it’s deeply golden and sounds hollow if tapped. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling before you slice (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Cinnamon Crunch Bread
Garnishes
For an extra bit of flair, dust sliced Cinnamon Crunch Bread with powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze, or add a dollop of whipped cream. Each option makes the flavors pop and turns a slice into a true treat.
Side Dishes
Pair your bread with fresh fruit, a bowl of Greek yogurt, or even a handful of toasted nuts. For breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy latte. The bread’s sweet notes beautifully complement both simple and decadent sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Cinnamon Crunch Bread the star at brunch by turning slices into French toast, layering with mascarpone and berries, or using cubes in a dreamy bread pudding. For a festive touch, tie up individual slices in wax paper for adorable, shareable treats at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, wrap your Cinnamon Crunch Bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh, soft, and crunchy at room temperature for up to three days, making it perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, slice the bread, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. The bread freezes beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw slices at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat slices in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This revives the crunch on top and warms the cinnamon swirl inside, bringing your Cinnamon Crunch Bread back to bakery-fresh glory!
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast! Just dissolve it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy before proceeding with the recipe. This small adjustment ensures your bread rises beautifully.
Is it possible to make Cinnamon Crunch Bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with any non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and use a dairy-free butter alternative. You’ll still get a soft loaf and that delightful crunchy top, just without the dairy.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem! This dough is simple enough to knead by hand. It takes just a bit of effort and elbow grease, but you’ll get a great upper-body workout and a tasty reward at the end.
How do I keep the topping crunchy after baking?
To maintain that irresistible crunch, let the bread cool completely before wrapping or storing it. If it gets a little soft, a quick visit to the toaster oven or oven crisps it right back up.
Can I double the recipe for two loaves?
Definitely! Double all ingredients and split the dough evenly between two loaf pans. Just monitor the baking time, as two loaves may take a few extra minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing in the process.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking (and sharing!) a homemade loaf of Cinnamon Crunch Bread. From the pillowy cinnamon swirl inside to the decadent, crackly sugar on top, every bite is pure comfort. Give this recipe a try — whether it’s for breakfast with family or a cozy afternoon snack, you’ll be hooked after the first slice!
Print
Cinnamon Crunch Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Crunch Bread is a delightful treat that combines a soft, fluffy bread with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a crunchy topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack!
Ingredients
Main Bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Crunchy Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Main Bread: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Roll out dough, brush with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture, roll into a log, and place in a loaf pan.
- Crunchy Topping: Mix sugars, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over loaf. Let rise. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
Notes
- For an extra treat, drizzle a simple icing over the cooled loaf.
- Store any leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
