Warm & Cozy: The Ultimate Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread, especially when cinnamon is involved. This Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread recipe takes that comfort to a whole new level. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang and incredible tenderness to the crumb, while the cinnamon swirl provides a warm, sweet spice that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. This recipe is relatively straightforward, making it achievable for bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most inviting scent imaginable!
## Why Buttermilk?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about buttermilk. It’s not just a trendy ingredient; it plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor of this bread.
* **Tenderness:** Buttermilk is acidic, and that acidity helps to break down the gluten in the flour. This results in a more tender and less chewy bread.
* **Moisture:** Buttermilk has a higher moisture content than regular milk, keeping the bread moist and preventing it from drying out quickly.
* **Flavor:** The slight tang of buttermilk adds a subtle complexity to the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the cinnamon and sugar.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread:
**For the Dough:**
* 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups (300ml) buttermilk
**For the Cinnamon Swirl:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
**Optional Glaze:**
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
## Equipment
* 9×5 inch loaf pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Whisk
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Parchment paper (optional, for easier removal)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part – making the bread! Follow these detailed instructions for a guaranteed success.
**Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Pan**
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. For easier removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will allow you to lift the bread out easily once it’s baked.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
**Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar**
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light and airy bread.
**Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla**
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
**Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This is important to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined. The batter will be slightly thick.
* Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
* Add 1/2 of the buttermilk and mix until just combined.
* Add another 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
* Add the remaining buttermilk and mix until just combined.
* Add the final 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
**Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl**
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until a paste forms.
**Step 7: Assemble the Bread**
* Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
* Spread the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
* Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl.
* Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Be careful not to overmix.
**Step 8: Bake the Bread**
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
**Step 9: Cool the Bread**
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan and allows it to cool evenly.
**Step 10: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)**
While the bread is cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk or buttermilk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
**Step 11: Glaze and Serve**
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
## Tips for Success
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the bread is ready.
* **Cool Completely:** Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
## Variations and Additions
This Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cinnamon swirl for added texture and flavor.
* **Raisins:** Stir raisins or other dried fruit into the batter.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the batter or the cinnamon swirl for a chocolatey twist.
* **Spices:** Experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright and zesty flavor.
## Storage Instructions
To store your Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
## Troubleshooting
* **Bread is too dry:** Make sure you’re measuring the flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can compact it and result in too much flour in the recipe. Also, ensure you are using enough buttermilk. Adding a tablespoon more can help retain moisture.
* **Bread is too dense:** Avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten, which can result in a dense bread. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
* **Cinnamon swirl sank to the bottom:** The cinnamon swirl might be too heavy. Try reducing the amount of melted butter or sugar in the swirl mixture. Also, ensure that the batter is thick enough to support the swirl. Let it sit for 5 minutes after mixing if necessary.
* **Bread is browning too quickly:** Tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Breakfast:** Serve warm slices of Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
* **Brunch:** Add it to your brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and fruit.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Snack:** Perfect for a midday treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **French Toast:** Use slices of Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread to make French toast for an extra special breakfast.
## Recipe Card
**Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread Recipe**
**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**For the Dough:**
* 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups (300ml) buttermilk
**For the Cinnamon Swirl:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
**Optional Glaze:**
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread cinnamon swirl over the batter. Pour remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl. Swirl with a knife or skewer.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over cooled bread.
11. Slice and serve.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 300-350 per slice (without glaze)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 10-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 4-5g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
This Cinnamon Buttermilk Bread recipe is a delightful treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of the tender buttermilk crumb and the sweet cinnamon swirl is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of pure comfort. Happy baking!