Welcome to a warm hug on a plate: Heirloom Cinnamon Crumble Bread. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a swirled masterpiece that's perfect for any occasion. With its rich aroma and tender crumb, it's a family favorite that never goes out of style.
The foundation of this bread is rich and flavorful butter, which gives the bread its moist texture. Granulated sugar adds the perfect level of sweetness, while brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl introduces a deeper, molasses-like flavor. The eggs provide structure and bind everything together. Using buttermilk not only adds a subtle tang but also makes the bread incredibly tender. Our dry ingredients — all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt — work in harmony to create the ideal rise and texture. Finally, a generous amount of cinnamon delivers that signature warmth and spice, and vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile with its sweet, aromatic notes.
This bread is versatile and delightful on its own, but for a special treat, serve it warm with a pat of salted butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of chai or a frothy cappuccino. For dessert, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go as soon as your batter is mixed. Grab two 9x5-inch loaf pans and grease them well. This helps the bread release easily after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step is crucial for incorporating air and setting the batter up for a good rise.
Now, stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You’ll notice the mixture becoming creamy and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pans, then sprinkle with half of the cinnamon mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon through the batter gently. This creates beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout the bread.
Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy as it cools.
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