Today we're making a delightful Mini Cinnamon Bread. This recipe takes a simple yellow cake mix and transforms it into something extraordinary with the addition of a few extra ingredients. The result is a moist and flavorful bread with a swirl of sweet, spiced filling that's perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or tea.
Most ingredients for the Mini Cinnamon Bread are probably already in your pantry. However, you might not have a box of yellow cake mix or sour cream on hand. Yellow cake mix is a versatile ingredient that can be found in the baking aisle of your supermarket. It serves as the base for our bread, making the process simpler and ensuring a perfect texture every time. Sour cream, found in the dairy section, adds richness and moisture to the bread.
Ingredients for Mini Cinnamon Bread
Yellow cake mix: This is used as a base for our bread, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
Sour cream: This adds richness and moisture to the bread.
Vegetable oil: Helps in making the bread moist and soft.
Eggs: These act as a binding agent.
Light brown sugar: It adds a caramel-like sweetness to the bread.
Ground cinnamon: This provides a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
Ground nutmeg: A dash of this spice gives our bread a distinctive sweet, nutty flavor.
Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for a sweet finishing touch.
Milk: Thins out the powdered sugar to make a glaze.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
One reader, Angie Creel says:
I recently tried the mini cinnamon bread recipe and it was a hit! The bread was moist and flavorful, and the cinnamon swirl added a perfect touch of sweetness. The glaze on top was the cherry on top. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, homemade treat.
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Mini Cinnamon Bread
How to prepare the batter: Combine the cake mix, sour cream, oil, and eggs in a bowl. Mix well with a mixer on low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat for an additional 2 minutes with the mixer on medium-high speed until thick and smooth.
How to make the filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl until well combined.
How to fill the mini loaf pans: Fill each pan about ¼ full with the batter, then sprinkle each with 2 teaspoons of the filling. Cover each with another layer of batter. Sprinkle the remaining filling over the 5 loaves and use a knife to gently swirl the filling into the top layer of batter.
How to bake the mini cinnamon bread: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Keep the bread in the pans and let cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
How to prepare the glaze: Combine powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Stir well to make the glaze.
How to drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaves: Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaves.
How To Make Mini Cinnamon Bread
Treat your tastebuds to this gooey mini cinnamon bread that uses pantry-friendly ingredients for an easy and decadent baked treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tsbpsalt
- 1lbbrown sugar,loose
- ½cupmargarine,softened
- 4cupshot water
- 4cupscold water
- 2tbspdry yeast
- 17cupsflour
- 4cupssugar
- ½cupcinnamon,plus 1 tsp if needed
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, add salt, brown sugar, margarine, and hot water. Let dissolve.
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Add cold water.
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Then sprinkle dry yeast on top and let bubble for 5 minutes.
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Add flour. Stir together until soft. If not yet soft, add a little more flour until it is soft. Knead the dough for a few minutes. Let rise for approximately 1½ hours.
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Punch down dough and divide into 5 loaves.
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Mix cinnamon and sugar together.
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Roll out dough, on a well-floured surface, to the width of your bread pan, a regular size bread pan. Spray with water so cinnamon and sugar mixture stick better. Add ¾ cup of cinnamon/sugar mix to your dough.
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Roll dough up and drop into greased bread pan. Let rise for 20 minutes.
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Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 452.99kcal
- Fat: 3.79g
- Saturated Fat: 0.69g
- Trans Fat: 0.56g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.20g
- Carbohydrates: 97.58g
- Fiber: 3.23g
- Sugar: 41.52g
- Protein: 7.75g
- Sodium: 424.24mg
- Calcium: 46.77mg
- Potassium: 113.79mg
- Iron: 1.15mg
- Vitamin A: 0.31µg
- Vitamin C: 0.08mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving the Best Results
When preparing the cinnamon filling, ensure to mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg thoroughly until they are well combined. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the bread. Additionally, when swirling the filling into the top layer of batter, do it gently to create a beautiful marbled effect without overmixing. Overmixing can cause the bread to become tough and dense. Lastly, when drizzling the glaze over the cooled loaves, do it slowly and evenly to ensure every part of the bread gets a touch of the sweet glaze. This will enhance the overall taste and presentation of your mini cinnamon bread.
Time-Saving Tips for This Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Prepare the batter: Use a stand mixer to quickly and thoroughly combine the ingredients for the batter.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools to streamline the cooking process.
Use mini loaf pans: Baking the bread in mini loaf pans reduces the baking time and allows for individual servings.
Prep the glaze in advance: Prepare the glaze while the bread is baking to save time during the cooling process.
Bake multiple loaves: Consider doubling the recipe and baking multiple loaves at once to save time and have extra for later.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini Cinnamon Bread Recipe
yellow cake mix - Substitute with all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla extract: You can create a homemade cake mix by combining all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and a touch of vanilla extract to replicate the flavor and texture of a yellow cake mix.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream due to its similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it an excellent alternative in this recipe.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a healthier substitute for vegetable oil, providing moisture and a subtle sweetness to the bread.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg): Flax eggs can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to large eggs, providing binding properties in the recipe.
light brown sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar and molasses: You can create your own light brown sugar substitute by combining granulated sugar with a small amount of molasses to achieve a similar flavor and color.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with apple pie spice: Apple pie spice can be used as a substitute for ground cinnamon, providing a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to enhance the flavor of the bread.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used as a simple substitute for ground nutmeg, providing a warm and aromatic flavor to the bread.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: You can use granulated sugar as a substitute for powdered sugar by blending it in a food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk, providing a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture in the glaze.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a rich and sweet flavor to the glaze.
Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Bread Bites
Elevate the plating: When presenting the mini cinnamon bread, ensure that the loaf is placed on a pristine white plate, allowing the golden-brown color of the bread to stand out against the clean background. This will create a visually appealing contrast and draw attention to the intricate swirls of cinnamon filling.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Add a delicate dusting of powdered sugar around the edges of the plate to create a sense of refinement and sophistication. This subtle addition will enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish and demonstrate attention to detail.
Utilize garnishes: Introduce a sprig of fresh mint on the side of the plate to provide a pop of vibrant green color, adding a touch of freshness and complementing the warm, aromatic flavors of the cinnamon bread.
Consider the use of edible flowers: Integrate a few edible flowers such as pansies or violets to bring a whimsical and artistic element to the presentation. The vibrant hues of the flowers will create a stunning visual impact and elevate the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of glaze: Carefully drizzle the vanilla glaze over the mini cinnamon bread using a fine-tipped utensil, creating an elegant and precise design on the plate. This technique will showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail, adding a professional touch to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Mini Cinnamon Bread
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the batter for the mini cinnamon bread recipe.
Mini loaf pans: These pans are used to bake the mini cinnamon bread loaves, providing the perfect size and shape for the recipe.
Mixer: A mixer is used to thoroughly combine the cake mix, sour cream, oil, and eggs for the batter, ensuring a smooth and well-mixed consistency.
Small bowl: This is used to mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create the filling for the mini cinnamon bread.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the mini cinnamon bread loaves after they are baked, allowing air to circulate around the loaves for even cooling.
Spoon: A spoon is used to drizzle the glaze over the cooled mini cinnamon bread loaves, adding a sweet finishing touch to the recipe.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Mini Cinnamon Bread
Allow the mini cinnamon bread loaves to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the bread soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled loaves in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep the bread fresh for a longer period, freezing is the best option:
- Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped loaves in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the mini cinnamon bread for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen mini cinnamon bread:
- Remove the desired number of loaves from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until they reach room temperature.
- If you prefer warm bread, you can gently reheat the thawed loaves in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
For optimal taste and texture, consume the thawed mini cinnamon bread within 2 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen bread, as this may affect its quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Cinnamon Bread
To reheat leftover mini cinnamon bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each loaf in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method helps to retain the bread's moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Slice the mini cinnamon bread into individual portions and place them on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the edges are slightly crispy. This method is quick and convenient, especially if you're only reheating a few slices.
For a softer texture, you can use the microwave. Place a slice of mini cinnamon bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 15-20 seconds. If the bread is not heated through, microwave it in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the bread, as it can become tough and rubbery.
If you want to add a touch of indulgence, try reheating your mini cinnamon bread in a skillet with a pat of butter. Melt the butter over medium heat and place the bread slices in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the bread is heated through and the edges are crispy. This method adds a rich, buttery flavor to the bread and creates a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, fluffy interior.
Interesting Trivia About Cinnamon Bread
The mini cinnamon bread recipe is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cake mix with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The combination of sour cream and oil creates a moist and tender crumb, while the brown sugar filling adds a delicious layer of sweetness. The glaze on top provides a perfect finishing touch, adding a hint of vanilla to complement the cinnamon flavor. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the comforting taste of cinnamon bread in a convenient, mini size.
Is Making Mini Cinnamon Bread at Home Cost-Effective?
This mini cinnamon bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields 5 mini loaves, making it suitable for a family. The use of basic pantry staples like cake mix, sour cream, and eggs keeps the cost low. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a delightful flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-15, making it an affordable treat. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Cinnamon Bread Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This mini cinnamon bread recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients that raise concerns are:
- Yellow cake mix: Often contains refined flour, sugar, and unhealthy fats
- Sour cream: High in saturated fat and calories
- Vegetable oil: Typically high in unhealthy fats and calories
- Brown sugar and powdered sugar: Added sugars that contribute to excessive calorie intake
The combination of these ingredients results in a treat that is high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, which can contribute to various health issues if consumed regularly.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the yellow cake mix with a homemade batter using whole wheat flour, which is higher in fiber and nutrients
- Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein
- Use a healthier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, in moderation
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and powdered sugar, or replace them with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Add some finely grated zucchini or carrots to the batter for added moisture and nutrients
- Top the bread with chopped nuts for a boost of healthy fats and protein
Editor's Opinion on This Mini Cinnamon Bread Recipe
This mini cinnamon bread recipe is a delightful twist on traditional bread. The combination of yellow cake mix and sour cream creates a moist and tender crumb, while the cinnamon and nutmeg filling adds a warm, comforting flavor. The glaze provides a sweet finish, making these mini loaves perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat with coffee. The recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you bake these delightful mini cinnamon bread loaves.
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Why trust this Mini Cinnamon Bread Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional bread, incorporating the convenience of a cake mix with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. The combination of sour cream and vegetable oil ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the aromatic filling adds a burst of flavor in every bite. The simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract provides the perfect finishing touch. With its easy preparation and irresistible taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for anyone craving a cozy, homemade treat.
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