My Cozy Cinnamon Nut Bread
There's something so special about the smell of cinnamon bread baking in my kitchen. I've perfected this recipe over countless Sunday mornings and it never fails to bring my family running downstairs. The swirl of cinnamon and nuts creates this gorgeous pattern that makes every slice look as wonderful as it tastes.
So Simple Yet So Good
I love how this bread comes together in just minutes. No waiting for yeast to rise no kneading just mix pour and bake. The hardest part is honestly waiting for it to cool before slicing. That crunchy cinnamon nut topping gets all caramelized while baking creating this incredible sweet crust on top.
What You'll Need
- Flour: Regular all-purpose is perfect here.
- Sugar: Just simple granulated sugar does the trick.
- Cinnamon: Make sure it's fresh for the best flavor.
- Walnuts: I toast mine first but pecans work beautifully too.
- Butter: Let it soften on your counter.
- Eggs: Bring them to room temperature.
- Milk: Whole milk makes it extra rich.
- Baking powder: Check that it's fresh.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances everything.
Let's Make It Together
- Get Ready
- First prep your pan I like using parchment for easy lifting.
- Sweet Topping
- Mix up that cinnamon sugar and nuts it smells amazing already.
- Mix the Batter
- Keep your wet and dry ingredients separate then combine them gently.
- Layer of Love
- Create those beautiful swirls by layering batter and topping.
- Time to Bake
- Pop it in the oven and let the magic happen for about an hour.
Serving Tips
The hardest part is waiting for it to cool but trust me it's worth it. I love warming slices slightly before serving. It stays fresh on my counter for three days though it rarely lasts that long. If you need it to last longer pop it in the fridge.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in pecans when I run out of walnuts. Adding plump raisins makes it extra special. When I'm feeling indulgent I stir in some sour cream for an incredibly moist loaf. Brown sugar in the topping gives it a deeper caramel flavor my kids absolutely love.
Try These Too
If you end up loving this bread as much as my family does try my lemon blueberry version next. The pumpkin bread is perfect for fall and my cinnamon sour cream bread has this incredible tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is it called quick bread?
Quick breads use baking powder or soda instead of yeast for leavening. This means no waiting for dough to rise and a much faster baking process.
- → Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, this bread freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- → How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick near the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.
- → Can I make this without nuts?
Yes, you can skip the nuts entirely and just use the cinnamon sugar swirl. The bread will still be delicious with a nice texture.
- → How should I store this bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.