Hicham Cinnamon Bread is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day. This recipe yields a moist and tender loaf with a delightful swirl of cinnamon sugar running through it. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Make the Swirl Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Melt the butter and set aside.
5. Combine and Swirl:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Drizzle half of the melted butter over the cinnamon sugar layer.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, cinnamon sugar mixture, and melted butter.
6. Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cinnamon bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Nuts or Raisins: For extra texture and flavor, fold in chopped nuts or raisins into the batter before baking.
- Glaze: Drizzle the cooled bread with a simple powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness.
- Make Ahead: This bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Cook’s Notes:
1. Buttermilk Substitute:
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then use as directed in the recipe.
2. Mixing Method:
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle hand and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough bread. Mix until just combined to ensure a tender crumb.
3. Adjusting Sweetness:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the cinnamon swirl according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of sugar and cinnamon to suit your desired level of sweetness and spiciness.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Toasted with Butter:
- For an extra indulgent treat, slice the cinnamon bread and toast it until golden brown. Spread with butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or snack.
2. Topped with Glaze:
- Drizzle the cooled cinnamon bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Mix until smooth and pour over the bread for added sweetness and flavor.
3. Pair with Hot Beverages:
- Enjoy slices of warm cinnamon bread alongside a cup of hot coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy and comforting treat on a chilly day.
Storage and Freezing:
1. Storage:
- Store leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
2. Freezing:
- To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe Yield:
- This recipe makes one 9×5-inch loaf of cinnamon bread, yielding approximately 12 servings. Adjust the ingredients accordingly if you’d like to make multiple loaves or smaller portions.
With these additional cook’s notes, serving suggestions, and storage tips, you’re well-equipped to create a delightful batch of Cinnamon Bread that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma as it bakes and savor every delicious bite of this irresistible homemade treat!
