Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Bread
This homemade cinnamon sugar bread is soft, moist, and gently spiced, with a tender crumb and a sweet ripple of cinnamon running through every slice. It is simple to make, requires no yeast, and comes together with everyday cupboard ingredients. The texture sits somewhere between a light sponge and a classic tea loaf, making it perfect for slicing. From start to finish, it takes just over an hour.
Ingredients
For the bread batter
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 175g caster sugar
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar filling
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 75g light brown sugar
For greasing
- Butter for the tin
- Baking parchment
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Bread
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease and line a 23 x 30cm tray bake tin, making sure the sides are well lined so the bread lifts out easily.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl, then stir in the caster sugar to combine evenly.
- Make the batter: Add the softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until smooth, pale, and well blended.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and light brown sugar until evenly combined.
- Assemble the layers: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared tin and spread level. Sprinkle over half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Add the remaining batter, smooth the top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until risen, golden, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool: Leave the bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Best Results
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This usually means the bread was underbaked. Always check with a skewer in the centre and avoid opening the oven door too early.
How do I get a clear cinnamon layer?
Spread the batter evenly and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar right to the edges. Gentle layering helps keep the swirl distinct.
Can I make this extra moist?
Adding an extra tablespoon of milk will give a slightly softer crumb without affecting the structure.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter melting into each slice
- Enjoy with afternoon tea or coffee
- Dust lightly with icing sugar before serving
Storage
Room temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it away from direct heat to prevent drying out.
Refrigerator
The bread can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, though the texture is best at room temperature.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated fat: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I bake this as a loaf instead?
Yes, divide the mixture between two loaf tins and increase the baking time slightly. Check for doneness with a skewer.
What size tray bake tin works best?
A tin around 23 x 30cm gives the ideal depth and even baking.
Can I use wholemeal flour?
You can replace half the flour with wholemeal, but the cake will be slightly denser.
Is this cake suitable for children?
Yes, it is mildly spiced and naturally sweet, making it ideal for all ages.
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Course: BakingCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesSoft, tender homemade cinnamon sugar bread with a gentle swirl of warm spice. An easy tray bake perfect for slicing and sharing.
Ingredients
225g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
175g caster sugar
225g unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
75g light brown sugar
Butter and parchment for lining
Directions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a tray bake tin.
- Mix flour, baking powder and sugar in a bowl.
- Add butter, eggs, milk and vanilla, then beat until smooth.
- Layer batter with cinnamon sugar mixture in the tin.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Cool briefly in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Check doneness with a skewer before removing from the oven.
- Allow to cool before slicing for neat edges.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.

