Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Bread – The Sweet Kitchen Smell You Never Forget

Some recipes don’t just feed you — they fill the house with a feeling. Grandma’s cinnamon sugar loaf bread is one of those. The kind you’d smell before you even walked into the kitchen: warm butter, sweet cinnamon, and that soft bread aroma that makes you hungry even if you weren’t a minute ago.

This loaf is tender, lightly sweet, and swirled with cinnamon sugar the way old-fashioned quick breads used to be. It’s perfect sliced thick with butter, toasted the next day, or served with coffee like it’s a little morning treat.

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Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Bread

Ingredients

Loaf Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Optional Topping

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• 1–2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (extra)

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Instructions

1) Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line with parchment).

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2) Mix the Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, oil, and vanilla.

3. Combine wet + dry just until mixed (don’t overmix).

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3) Make the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix the ⅓ cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

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4) Layer & Swirl

1. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.

2. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar.

3. Add remaining batter.

4. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar on top.

5. Use a knife to gently swirl (don’t overdo it).

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5) Bake

Bake 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).

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6) Finish

Optional: brush warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top.

Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then move to a rack.

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Why This Loaf Works

• Quick bread = no yeast, no waiting

• Tender crumb from milk + oil

• Cinnamon sugar layers create a sweet swirl

• Perfectly sliceable for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

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Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Loaf

• Don’t overmix (keeps it soft)

• Swirl lightly — too much makes it muddy

• If the top browns too fast, tent with foil

• Let it cool before slicing for clean pieces

• Add chopped nuts if you like (walnuts are great)

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Serving Ideas

• Toasted with butter

• With coffee or tea

• Warm slice with a drizzle of icing

• French-toast it the next day (so good)

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FAQ – Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Bread

Is this a yeast bread?

No — it’s a quick bread, so it rises with baking powder.

How do I store it?

Wrap tightly and store at room temp for 2–3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze slices or the whole loaf up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

Why is my loaf dense?

Overmixing is the most common reason. Mix just until combined.