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.
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)
Instructions
1) Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line with parchment).
2) Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, oil, and vanilla.
Combine wet + dry just until mixed (don’t overmix).
3) Make the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the ⅓ cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
4) Layer & Swirl
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar.
Add remaining batter.
Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar on top.
Use a knife to gently swirl (don’t overdo it).
5) Bake
Bake 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
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.
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
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)
Serving Ideas
Toasted with butter
With coffee or tea
Warm slice with a drizzle of icing
French-toast it the next day (so good)
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.