Cinnamon Streusel Bread

I first encountered streusel bread at a small German bakery during a trip years ago, and I've been obsessed ever since. This recipe captures that same cozy, bakery-quality experience but simplified for home bakers. The bread itself has a tender, cake-like texture thanks to the butter and milk, while the cinnamon swirl adds pockets of sweet spice throughout. What really sets this apart is the streusel topping – those buttery crumbs bake into a crunchy, sugary crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft bread underneath. The process is straightforward: you mix a simple batter, swirl in the cinnamon sugar mixture, top it with streusel crumbs, and bake until golden. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before slicing, though I admit I rarely have that patience. Each slice reveals beautiful cinnamon ribbons, and the aroma alone is worth making this recipe. It's comfort baking at its finest, and it never fails to make my kitchen feel like home.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simplicity with impressive results. I love that it doesn't require yeast or complicated techniques, yet it delivers a bakery-worthy loaf every single time. The versatility is another reason I keep coming back to it – I can make it for a lazy weekend breakfast, wrap it up as a heartfelt gift, or serve it at brunch parties where it always steals the show. The smell while it bakes is intoxicating, filling my home with warmth and making everyone eagerly anticipate that first slice. I also appreciate how forgiving this recipe is; even if your swirl isn't perfect or your streusel is unevenly distributed, it still turns out delicious. It's a recipe that builds confidence in beginner bakers while satisfying experienced ones. Most importantly, it creates moments of joy – whether I'm baking it for myself on a quiet morning or sharing it with loved ones who light up at the first bite. This bread reminds me that the best recipes aren't always the most complicated; sometimes, simple ingredients combined with love create the most memorable treats.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• All-purpose flour: Use as the base for both the bread batter and streusel topping, measuring carefully for best results
• Unsalted butter: Soften to room temperature for the batter, keep cold and cubed for the streusel topping
• Brown sugar: Mix with cinnamon for the swirl and combine with flour for the crunchy streusel
• Eggs: Bring to room temperature and add one at a time to create structure and richness
• Whole milk: Use at room temperature to keep batter smooth and create a tender crumb
• Ground cinnamon: Measure generously for both the swirl and streusel to create warm, spiced flavor throughout

Let's Make These Together

Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it's ready when your batter is complete. Take your loaf pan and give it a good coating of butter or cooking spray, making sure to get into all the corners. Line the bottom with parchment paper – this makes removing the finished loaf so much easier and prevents any sticking. Set this aside while you work on creating that delicious batter.

Create the Base Batter

In your largest bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using your mixer. Beat it for a good 3-4 minutes until it's light, fluffy, and almost doubled in volume. This step is crucial for a tender crumb! Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in that vanilla extract. Now comes the gentle part – alternate adding your dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until you see no more flour streaks. Remember, a few lumps are fine; we don't want to overmix!

Layer and Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together your brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Now for the fun part – pour half your batter into that prepared pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar over this layer, then take a butter knife and make 3-4 gentle swirls through the batter. Don't go crazy here; we want ribbons, not a completely mixed layer. Add your remaining batter on top, sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar, and swirl again. These layers create those gorgeous cinnamon ribbons you'll see when you slice into the finished bread.

Top with Streusel

Time to make that irresistible crunchy topping! Combine your flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add those cold butter cubes and use a fork or pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients. You're looking for a texture like coarse crumbs or wet sand – some pea-sized pieces of butter are perfect. Sprinkle this streusel mixture evenly over the top of your batter. Don't press it down; just let it sit on top so it bakes into those beautiful crunchy clusters.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into that preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it during the last 15 minutes – if the streusel is browning too quickly, loosely tent some foil over the top. When it's done, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing! Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set up, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack. I know it's hard, but try to let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the texture set and makes cleaner slices. Then dig in and enjoy!

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Switch Things Up

I remember the first time I made this bread on a chilly Sunday morning. I was experimenting with my grandmother's old cinnamon roll recipe and decided to simplify it into a loaf format. As it baked, the smell of cinnamon and butter filled every corner of my apartment. When I pulled it out and saw that perfectly golden streusel top, I knew I had created something special. I couldn't wait for it to cool – I sliced into it while it was still warm, and that first bite was pure magic. The tender crumb, the sweet cinnamon swirl, and that crunchy topping were everything I hoped for. Now, I make this bread whenever I need to lift my spirits or impress guests. Sometimes I'll add a drizzle of vanilla glaze on top, or swap in chopped pecans in the streusel for extra crunch. It's become my signature bake, and friends always ask me to bring it to gatherings.

Perfect Pairings

This Cinnamon Streusel Bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, especially a medium roast that complements the warm spices. For breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete meal. It's also wonderful with a spread of cream cheese or whipped honey butter. If you're serving it for brunch, pair it with maple glazed bacon and fresh orange juice. For an afternoon treat, enjoy a slice with hot tea or a caramel latte. You can also toast slices and serve them with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The bread's sweetness and spice make it versatile enough to pair with both savory breakfast items and sweet accompaniments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that's what you have on hand. Just reduce or omit the additional salt called for in the recipe (the 1/2 teaspoon). Unsalted butter is preferred because it gives you better control over the saltiness of the final product, but salted butter won't ruin the recipe.

→ Why is my streusel topping sinking into the batter?

This usually happens if the batter is too thin or if the butter in your streusel was too soft. Make sure you're using cold butter for the streusel and working it just until you get coarse crumbs. Also, don't press the streusel into the batter – just sprinkle it gently on top. If your batter seems thin, you can refrigerate the assembled loaf for 10 minutes before baking to help the streusel stay on top.

→ Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil (use the same measurements), and replace the whole milk with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Make sure your non-dairy butter is at the right temperature – softened for the batter, cold for the streusel.

→ How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached – no wet batter. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments, checking each time.

→ Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts are wonderful additions. You can fold 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the batter, or add them to the streusel topping for extra crunch. You could also add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or raisins. Just be careful not to add too many mix-ins, as they can weigh down the batter and affect the texture.

→ Why did my bread sink in the middle?

A sunken middle usually means the bread was underbaked, the oven temperature was too low, or there was too much liquid in the batter. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature is accurate. Also, be careful not to add extra milk beyond what the recipe calls for, and make sure your baking powder is fresh and active.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Streusel Bread is everything you want in a homemade baked good – tender, flavorful, and topped with an irresistible crunchy streusel. The cinnamon swirl running through each slice adds warmth and spice, making it perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon coffee breaks. Whether you're baking for your family or bringing it to a brunch gathering, this bread never disappoints. Store it wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for quick treats later. One bite and you'll understand why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation.