Cinnamon Sweet Bread

Preheat: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line with parchment with overhang for easy lifting).
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, milk (or buttermilk), and vanilla until smooth.
Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir with a spatula just until no dry spots remain. A few small lumps are fine—do not overmix.
Fill pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Make topping: While the bread bakes, stir together the sugar and cinnamon. When the loaf is out of the oven and still warm, brush the top with melted butter and shower evenly with the cinnamon sugar.
Cool & serve: Cool in the pan 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips

Dense or gummy crumb: Overmixing develops gluten. Stir only until combined and check doneness near 50 minutes.
Cracked top: Normal for quick breads and signals good oven spring.
Dry loaf: Pull the bread as soon as the tester is clean; start checking early. Using buttermilk helps keep the crumb plush.
Sinking center: Under-baked. Bake until the center springs back lightly and a tester in the deepest part is clean.

Room temperature: Wrap tightly; keeps 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap whole or sliced loaf in plastic, then foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw wrapped at room temperature.
Rewarm: Toast slices lightly or warm the loaf (wrapped) at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Balanced leavening: Baking powder plus baking soda ensures lift and a fine, even crumb.
Melted butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture without the need for creaming.
Cinnamon-sugar finish: Butter helps the sugar adhere and form a crackly, aromatic crust.
Buttermilk option: Gentle acidity tenderizes and enhances browning.

Pan size matters: If using an 8½×4½-inch pan, place on a sheet tray and add 5–10 minutes to bake time if needed.
Swirl variation: Mix 2 tablespoons softened butter with 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; dollop and swirl into the batter before baking for ribbons of spice.
Add-ins: Fold in ¾ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts, or ½ cup raisins for a classic bakery twist.
Glaze option: Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a pinch of cinnamon; drizzle over the cooled loaf.

~280 calories;
39 g carbohydrates;
5 g protein;
11 g fat;
~220 mg sodium.
Values will vary with milk choice and toppings.