Cinnamon Crunch Bread

Cinnamon Crunch Bread is a delightful and comforting recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. This soft and fluffy bread is swirled with a generous layer of cinnamon and sugar, then topped with an irresistible crunch that creates the perfect contrast to the tender dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, this bread appeals to all ages. Imagine slicing into a loaf fresh from the oven, with a soft, warm interior that contrasts with the crunchy, sweet topping, and the aromatic scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. This bread is not just food; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings cozy vibes to your home.

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable and satisfying. You’ll find that each step unlocks the potential for creating a beautifully crafted loaf that tastes as good as it looks. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this scrumptious treat, how to make it, and some serving suggestions!

Ingredients about Cinnamon Crunch Bread

List of ingredients with measurements

To create Cinnamon Crunch Bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk, warmed to about 110°F
• 1/3 cup water, warmed to about 110°F
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast (approximately 1 standard packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups bread flour, spooned and leveled (plus more as needed)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, extra soft (for filling)
• 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (for filling)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
• 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (for topping)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour or bread flour (for topping)

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes. For the brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different. If you are sensitive to gluten, consider using a gluten-free bread flour blend or almond flour, though results may vary. Lastly, if you are vegan, try swapping the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).

How to Make Cinnamon Crunch Bread

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Begin by whisking the warm buttermilk, warm water, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This bubbling reaction indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

Once foamy, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, melted butter, the egg, salt, and 1 cup of flour into the mixing bowl. Beat the mixture on low speed for about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides with a spatula as necessary. After that, gradually add in the remaining flour. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together, which should take about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Knead the dough either using the stand mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes or by hand on a lightly floured surface. The goal is to get the dough to a slightly tacky and smooth texture. Remember, if the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.

Step 4: 1st Rise

Next, grease a bowl with some cooking spray or oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it is doubled in size. This usually takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.

Step 5: Shape the dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out into a rectangle approximately 9×15 inches in size.

Step 6: For the filling

Now it’s time to prepare the delicious filling! Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.

Step 7: Roll and twist

Starting at one long edge, roll the dough into a log. Once rolled up, cut it in half lengthwise to expose the spirals of filling. Carefully twist the two sides around each other, being cautious to keep the cut sides facing outward. Pinch the ends to seal them together and lift the twisted dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover it with a towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare for baking

While the dough is rising once again, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). To prepare for baking, place a baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven to catch any drips from the loaf.

Step 9: For the topping

To make the topping, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Once combined, spoon this mixture evenly over the top of your loaf, ensuring that it gets into those lovely twists.

Step 10: Bake

Now it’s time to bake your Cinnamon Crunch Bread! Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped gently.

Step 11: Cool and serve

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or at room temperature, enjoying the delightful aroma and flavors of your homemade Cinnamon Crunch Bread!

How to Serve Cinnamon Crunch Bread

Best ways to serve Cinnamon Crunch Bread

Cinnamon Crunch Bread can be served in many delightful ways. One of the best methods is to enjoy it warm, straight out of the oven, as the gooey filling and crunchy topping shine at their finest. Consider slicing it into thick pieces for a hearty serving.

Serving suggestions or pairings

For an extra indulgent treat, spread a little butter or cream cheese on top of each slice. You can even add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for added sweetness. If you’re feeling fruity, top it with slices of fresh berries or bananas. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.

How to Store Cinnamon Crunch Bread

Proper storage methods

To keep your Cinnamon Crunch Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), it’s best to keep it covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture. If you like, you can also slice it and store those pieces individually in a zip-top bag.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you want to enjoy your bread at a later time, you can freeze it. Wrap the entire loaf in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven briefly at 350°F (177°C) to restore the crunchy topping and warm interior. If you prefer to reheat individual slices, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Tips to Make Cinnamon Crunch Bread

Common mistakes to avoid

One of the most common mistakes when making bread is not allowing it to rise properly. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you’re allowing enough time for the dough to double in size. Additionally, avoid adding too much flour while kneading; the key is to maintain a slightly tacky texture for the best results.

Helpful tips for better results

Use room temperature ingredients when possible, especially the egg and butter, as they incorporate better into the dough. Measuring flour accurately is also important; spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the container. Lastly, if you’re using active dry yeast instead of instant, it’s best to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough mixture.

Variation of Cinnamon Crunch Bread

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

There are many ways you can customize your Cinnamon Crunch Bread! For a change in flavor, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture. You could also mix in dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, into the dough or the filling for an unexpected burst of sweetness.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider substituting part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour or adding oats to the filling. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter. You can also use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower-glycemic option.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your Cinnamon Crunch Bread isn’t rising, it may be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast before starting, and ensure that your liquids are warm, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. If your dough is too sticky, try adding more flour in small amounts until it reaches the right consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Once you’ve shaped the loaf in the pan after the first rise, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, giving it time to rise again.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

You can substitute buttermilk with a milk-vinegar combination as mentioned earlier. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour works well but may result in a slightly different texture. For a sugar substitute, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar-free sweetener. Be mindful that these swaps can affect the final taste or texture, so experiment as needed!

Cinnamon Crunch Bread is more than just a dish; it’s an experience to savor and share with friends and loved ones. The recipe may seem elaborate, but when broken down into steps, it becomes quite simple to create a delicious loaf that can bring comfort to any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of your very own homemade Cinnamon Crunch Bread!

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