Nothing says cozy like a slice of freshly baked cinnamon bread! This Cinnamon Crunch Bread combines a soft, buttery dough with a rich cinnamon–brown sugar swirl and a crisp, crunchy topping that feels straight from a bakery. Each bite is tender, flaky, and bursting with cinnamon flavor perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon treat.
With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create this show-stopping loaf right in your kitchen, impressing both family and friends.
• Buttery & Flaky – Enriched dough creates a tender, soft crumb with a flaky, almost croissant-like texture.
• Irresistible Crunch – The cinnamon crunch topping adds a bakery-style contrast to the soft bread.
• Deep Cinnamon Swirl – Twisting ensures cinnamon flavor in every slice.
• Showstopper Bread – Looks as beautiful as a babka, perfect for gifting or special occasions.
• Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps.
• 9x5-inch loaf pan
• Electric stand mixer (with dough hook or paddle attachment) 🎛️
• Large mixing bowl
• Wire rack
• Baking sheet (to catch drips)
• Buttermilk & Water – Warmed to activate yeast.
• Instant or Active Dry Yeast – Leavening agent.
• Granulated Sugar – Feeds yeast and sweetens.
• Unsalted Butter – Melted and cooled for richness.
• Large Egg – Adds structure and softness.
• Salt – Balances flavor.
• Bread Flour – Creates extra chewiness (all-purpose works in a pinch).
• Unsalted Butter – Extra soft for spreading.
• Brown Sugar & Ground Cinnamon – Classic cinnamon swirl filling.
• Unsalted Butter – Melted.
• Brown Sugar & Ground Cinnamon – Sweet, crunchy topping.
• All-Purpose or Bread Flour – Helps bind topping into crumbles.
1. Activate Yeast: Whisk warm buttermilk, warm water, yeast, and 2 Tbsp sugar in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Dough: Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and 1 cup flour. Beat on low 30 sec, scrape bowl, then add remaining flour. Mix until dough pulls away from sides (~2 mins).
3. Knead: Knead on floured surface 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place in greased bowl, turning once. Cover and let rise 1½–2 hours until doubled.
5. Assemble Bread: Punch down dough and roll into 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread extra soft butter, sprinkle with cinnamon–brown sugar filling, and roll tightly.
6. Twist: Cut log in half lengthwise. Criss-cross halves, twist together, pinch ends, and place in greased loaf pan.
7. Second Rise: Cover and rest 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
8. Prepare Topping: Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until crumbly.
9. Bake: Spoon topping evenly on bread. Place baking sheet underneath. Bake 45–55 minutes until golden and internal temp 200–205°F (93–96°C).
10. Cool: Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack before slicing.
• Use Bread Flour – Adds chewiness that contrasts with crunchy topping.
• Proper Kneading – Develops gluten for soft, elastic bread.
• Warm Liquids – Ensure 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast properly.
• Don’t Rush Rising – Full first rise is crucial for flavor and texture.
Problem: Dense bread.
Likely Cause: Under-kneaded or insufficient rise.
Solution: Knead full 5–8 minutes and allow dough to double.
Problem: Dry bread.
Likely Cause: Over-baking.
Solution: Remove at 200–205°F (93–96°C) internal temp.
Problem: Crunch topping dripped.
Likely Cause: Too much topping or not enough flour.
Solution: Use recommended flour, bake with tray under loaf.
• Make Ahead: Dough can rise in fridge overnight (up to 18 hrs). Bring to room temp 30 mins before shaping.
• Gifting: Wrap tightly in cellophane or decorative box.
• Toast It: Enhances crunch and flavor.
• Coffee: Sweet breakfast pairing.
• Tea: Black tea or spiced chai.
• Hot Chocolate: Cozy winter treat.
• Butter: Warm slice with butter is perfect.
• Room Temperature: Covered, up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap in plastic + foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.
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Soft, buttery dough rolled and twisted with cinnamon–brown sugar filling, topped with crunchy cinnamon crumble.
