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Loaf of easy homemade cinnamon streusel bread with a crumbly topping

Cinnamon Streusel Bread

A tender quick bread layered with cinnamon swirls and a crunchy brown sugar streusel topping, perfect for breakfasts and baking projects.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, Quick Bread
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Batter Ingredients
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor; slightly denser texture.
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar Can reduce to 3/4 cup for less sweetness; substitute coconut sugar for a caramel note.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened Use melted butter if you prefer quicker mixing; slightly changes texture.
  • 1 cup Milk Swap with buttermilk for tang and extra tenderness; use plant milk for dairy-free option.
  • 2 Large eggs Room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly than cold eggs.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder Ensure fresh baking powder for reliable rise; baking soda not recommended without acid.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Use fresh ground for brightest spice flavor; increase to 2 teaspoons for stronger cinnamon.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness; use fine kosher salt or table salt adjusted accordingly.
Streusel Topping
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar Light or dark both work; dark gives deeper molasses flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped nuts (optional) Walnuts or pecans for crunch; leave out for nut-free loaf.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar for topping Combine with cinnamon for a crystalline topping; use coarse sugar for extra crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Make the Batter
  1. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about three to five minutes.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the milk until the wet ingredients are smooth without visible streaks.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the Streusel and Layer
  1. Mix the brown sugar and additional cinnamon in a small bowl for the streusel topping.
  2. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle with half of the streusel miixure.
  3. Top with the remaining batter, then the rest of the streusel and granulated sugar-cinnamon topping.
Bake and Cool
  1. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

To prevent sogginess, cool the loaf partly in the pan and fully on a rack. Measure flour correctly to avoid dense bread.