Best Cinnamon Recipes & Ideas - The Recipe Critic https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-recipes/ Tried and True Recipes for Families | Food Blog Mon, 29 Jul 2024 23:03:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Best Cinnamon Recipes & Ideas - The Recipe Critic https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-recipes/ 32 32 53477294 Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-roll-cheesecake/ https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-roll-cheesecake/#respond Sun, 04 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=260732 Rich and creamy Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake has the delicious flavor of a cinnamon roll in decadent cheesecake form. This irresistible…]]>

Rich and creamy Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake has the delicious flavor of a cinnamon roll in decadent cheesecake form. This irresistible dessert is made with a cinnamon graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese filling with spiced cinnamon throughout, and a classic whipped cream topping.

Cream cheese desserts are some of my favorites! Of course, it’s wonderful in cheesecakes, but try my cream cheese pound cake, cream cheese snickerdoodles, and these amazing cream cheese brownies next.

Side shot of slice of cheesecake being lifted out of the whole cinnamon roll cheesecake.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A festive, unique recipe: I bet you’ve never had cheesecake with delicious cinnamon roll flavor! With just one bite, you’ll be totally obsessed!
  • Homemade with easy-to-follow instructions: Homemade cheesecake is so much better than anything you can buy! My step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, so your cheesecake will turn out perfectly.
  • Great for any occasion: From holidays to birthday celebrations, this dessert pleases both kids and adults!

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

This is a combination of two of my favorite treats, cheesecake and cinnamon rolls! If you love all things cinnamon and are looking for an incredible sweet treat that everyone will love, you’re in the right place.

This recipe starts with a cinnamon graham cracker crust, topped with creamy cheesecake filling that is layered with a cozy cinnamon sugar mixture. Garnish with fresh whipped cream for the ultimate ending to any meal!

Ingredients You Need to Make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

There are quite a few ingredients and steps needed to make this cinnamon roll cheesecake recipe, but it’s so worth it. There is nothing better than homemade cheesecake, especially one that has the flavor of a cinnamon roll!

Crust

  • Graham Crackers: This recipe calls for using cinnamon graham crackers for the crust to really infuse this cheesecake with cinnamon flavor. If you only have regular graham crackers, you can use those! All you have to do is add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the graham cracker crumbs. It will give a similar flavor and sugary crunch that the cinnamon graham crackers give. 
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the graham cracker crust.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps to bind the ingredients together and provides a rich taste.
Overhead shot of labeled crust ingredients.

Cinnamon Filling

  • Brown Sugar: I like to sweeten the cinnamon part of the filling with brown sugar because it provides a rich, caramelized flavor. 
  • All-purpose Flour: A small amount of flour will give the cinnamon filling substance.
  • Ground Cinnamon: We’re mixing in plenty of cinnamon for a delicious, warm flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: To bind the ingredients together.
Overhead shot of labeled cinnamon filling ingredients.

Cheesecake Filling

  • Cream Cheese: Make sure your blocks of cream cheese are softened to room temperature, so they combine well without any lumps.
  • Sour Cream: Combining sour cream with cream cheese makes for a super creamy, soft filling.
  • Sugars: The filling uses a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar for a complex sweet taste.
  • Large Eggs: 5 large eggs proved structure and stability.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness.
Overhead shot of labeled cheesecake filling ingredients.

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

  • Cream Cheese: Use blocks of cream cheese that are softened to room temperature.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and dissolves instantly into the whipped cream, leaving a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Make sure it’s chilled for optimal results. Chilling helps the cream whip up faster and creates stiffer, more stable peaks.
Overhead shot of labeled cream cheese whipped cream ingredients,

How to Make a Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

There’s no reason to be intimidated to make this cinnamon roll cheesecake! I’m sharing easy-to-follow instructions and all my top tips, so you will have major cheesecake success!

Crust

  1. Make Graham Cracker Crumbs: Add the graham crackers to a blender or food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, put the graham crackers into a large ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin or large, heavy glass or water bottle until they are fine crumbs.
  2. Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together. This should resemble damp sand.
  3. Press the Crust into the Pan: Add the crumb mixture to the prepared springform pan and press evenly into the bottom. Use the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup to press for an even crust. Alternatively, press it into the bottom and halfway up the sides for a different crust style.
  4. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. Leave the oven on to bake the cinnamon roll cheesecake.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  1. Stir Sugar with Flour and Cinnamon: Add the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to a small bowl and stir together to combine.
  2. Pour in Melted Butter: Add the melted butter and mix until you have a thick paste. Set aside.
Overhead shot of a bowl of mixed cinnamon sugar filling.
Mix the ingredients together until you have a thick paste.

Cheesecake Filling

  1. Beat Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the mixing bowl of a stand mixer and beat with a paddle at medium/high speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for a few seconds more, until smooth.
  2. Mix in Sour Cream and Sugars: Add sour cream and beat at medium/low speed until just combined. Scrape the bowl before adding the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until just combined.
  3. Beat in Eggs: Add eggs one or two at a time and vanilla and beat on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Scrape the bowl between each addition. At this point, the batter should be smooth and fairly runny.
  4. Prep for the Water Bath: Prepare the springform pan for the water bath by carefully wrapping the outside with 4 sheets of 18-inch heavy-duty aluminum foil. You may use regular foil, but it may take a couple more sheets to ensure the water does not get into the pan.
  5. Prep for Baking: Place the wrapped pan in a deep roasting pan. You may alternatively use a baking sheet, so long as the sides are about 2 inches deep.
  6. Layer Filling in Pan: Add half of the cinnamon roll cheesecake batter to the pan. Crumble ⅔ of the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake batter.
  7. Continue to Layer: Layer the rest of the cheesecake batter on top and crumble the remaining third of the cinnamon sugar filling on top.

Bake The Cheesecake

  1. Add Water: Add very hot water to the roasting pan until there is about 1 ½ inch of water around the springform pan or the water is halfway up the sides. Carefully place the pan on a rack in the lower 3rd of the oven.
  2. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 1-1 ½ hours at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. After about an hour of baking, check the cheesecake’s consistency. A slight jiggle of the pan (while still in the oven) should tell you if it’s ready or needs more time. The cheesecake should wobble slightly in the center, but the outer 2 inches or so of the cheesecake should not have much wobble to it. If more than just the center wobbles or appears quite liquid, give it 10-15 more minutes before you check it again.
  3. Turn Off Oven: Once the cheesecake is mostly firm, with just a slight wobble in the center, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour or so until the oven has cooled down. Resist the temptation to open the oven during this time! The purpose of this step is to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly as the oven cools. Doing this will prevent it from cracking, as one of the biggest reasons cheesecakes crack is the drastic temperature change going from the hot oven into the much cooler kitchen.
  4. Remove from Oven: Once the oven and the cheesecake have cooled, remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil lining the pan.
  5. Chill: Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
  6. Prep for Removal: Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to ensure an easy release when the springform is removed.

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

  1. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: Add the cream cheese and powdered sugar to a medium bowl and beat together until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
  2. Whip the Heavy Cream: Add the cream to another medium bowl and whip with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Add the cream cheese mixture and fold into the whipped cream until fully combined. Avoid mixing too much or stirring, as this will deflate the whipped cream.
  3. Add the Whipped Cream: Pipe or dollop the whipped cream on either the whole cheesecake or individual slices before serving.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

  • Use Full Fat: For the best consistency and richness in your cheesecake, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
  • Room-Temperature Ingredients: To create that smooth, luscious filling, all your ingredients (cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, etc.) need to be at room temperature. If your ingredients are too cold, they can cause lumps. Take your ingredients out and let them sit for up to 2 hours. 
  • Do Not Overbeat: Overbeating your batter will introduce too much air into the mixture, which can cause it to split or rise and fall drastically. Beat with a paddle on low to medium speed and stop as soon as it is all mixed. 
  • Grease Your Springform Pan: Even if your springform pan is non-stick, you will want to grease it. Lightly oil with cooking spray or cold butter rubbed over all the surfaces very lightly.
  • Keeping it Moist: A water bath is the only way to guarantee the creamiest, most evenly baked cheesecake. If you do not want to place the cheesecake in the water bath, you can achieve similar results by putting the pan of water on the rack directly beneath it. 
  • No Peeking: Resist the urge to open the oven and peek at your cheesecake. You will release all that hard-earned steam, which could cause it to crack. Exposing the cake to extreme temperatures is not ideal. 
  • Let it Cool: You will know your cheesecake is done when there is a slight wobble in the center. Do not stick a knife or a thermometer inside it or it will crack. Once it is done, turn off the oven and let it come to room temperature inside the oven. This takes about an hour and helps prevent it from cracking. Remove from the oven and place in the fridge for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Overhead shot of a slice of cinnamon roll cheesecake on a plate tipped on its side.

Storing Leftover Cheesecake

  • In the Refrigerator: Store for up to 7 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
  • In the Freezer: Store in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Your cheesecake will stay good for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you serve it!
Side shot of plated slice of cinnamon roll cheesecake with a bit on a fork.

More Delicious Cheesecake Recipes

There are so many different irresistible cheesecake options to try! Our cheesecake page has all of our tried-and-true recipes. Here are some of our favorites to try next!

Print

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Rich and creamy Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake has the delicious flavor of a cinnamon roll in decadent cheesecake form. This irresistible dessert is made with a cinnamon graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese filling with spiced cinnamon throughout, and a classic whipped cream topping.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cheesecake, cinnamon cheesecake, cinnamon roll dessert, cream cheese whipped cream
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
chill time 6 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 770kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Crust

Cinnamon Filling

Cheesecake Filling

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit. Prepare a 9 or 10-inch springform pan by spraying it well with pan spray. Set aside.

Crust

  • Add the graham crackers to a blender or food processor and pulse until they are fine crumbs. Alternatively put the graham crackers into a large ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin or large, heavy glass or water bottle until they are fine crumbs.
  • Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together. It should resemble damp sand.
  • Add the crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan and press evenly into the bottom. You can use the bottom of a flat glass or a flat measuring cup to really press it in well and get a nice, even crust. You may alternatively press it into the bottom and then half way up the sides if that is the style of crust you prefer.
  • Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. Leave the oven on for baking the cheesecake.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • Add the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to a small bowl and stir together to combine.
  • Add the melted butter and mix until you have a thick paste. Set aside.

Cheesecake Filling

  • Add the softened cream cheese to the mixing bowl of a stand mixer and beat with a paddle at medium/high speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for a few seconds more until smooth.
  • Add sour cream and beat at medium/low speed until just combined. Scrape the bowl before adding the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until just combined.
  • Add eggs one or two at a time and vanilla and beat on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds-1 minute. Scrape the bowl between each addition.. At this point the batter should be smooth and fairly runny.
  • Prepare the springform pan for the water bath by carefully wrapping the outside with 4 sheets of 18-inch heavy duty aluminum foil. You may use regular foil, but it may take a couple more sheets to ensure the water does not get into the pan.
  • Place the wrapped pan in a deep roasting pan. Alternatively, use a baking sheet, so long as the sides are about 2 inches deep.
  • Add half of the cheesecake batter to the pan. Crumble ⅔ of the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake batter.
  • Layer the rest of the cheesecake batter on top and crumble the remaining third of cinnamon sugar filling on top.

Bake The Cheesecake

  • Add very hot water to the roasting pan until there is about 1 ½ inches of water around the springform pan, or the water is halfway up the sides. Carefully place the pan on a rack in the lower 3rd of the oven.
  • Bake for 1-1 ½ hours at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. After about an hour of baking, check the cheesecake’s consistency. A slight jiggle of the pan (while still in the oven) should tell you if it’s ready or needs more time. The cheesecake should wobble slightly in the center, but the outer 2-inches or so of the cheesecake should not have much wobble to it. If more than just the center wobbles or appears quite liquid, give it 10-15 more minutes before you check it again.
  • Once the cheesecake is mostly firm, with just a slight wobble in the center, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour or so, until the oven has cooled down. Resist the temptation to open the oven during this time! The purpose of this step is to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly as the oven cools. Doing this will prevent it from cracking, as one of the biggest reasons cheesecakes crack is the drastic temperature change going from the hot oven into the much cooler kitchen.
  • Once the oven and the cheesecake have cooled, remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil lining the pan.
  • Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
  • Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to ensure an easy release when the springform is removed.

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

  • Add the cream cheese and powdered sugar to a medium bowl and beat together until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
  • Add the cream to another medium bowl and whip with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Add the cream cheese mixture and fold into the whipped cream until fully combined. Avoid mixing too much or stirring, as this will deflate the whipped cream.
  • Pipe or dollop the whipped cream on the whole cheesecake or individual slices before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 770kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 205mg | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 63g | Vitamin A: 1828IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 1mg
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Cinnamon Roll Casserole https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-roll-casserole/ https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-roll-casserole/#respond Sun, 12 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=237003 Get ready for a tasty treat with this easy cinnamon roll casserole! Using canned cinnamon rolls, this casserole is so…]]>

Get ready for a tasty treat with this easy cinnamon roll casserole! Using canned cinnamon rolls, this casserole is so delicious with creamy icing drizzled over warm, golden rolls. It’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch!

Try out more delicious breakfast casseroles like this Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole, this yummy Cowboy Breakfast Casserole or my Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole!

A casserole dish with cinnamon roll casserole baked and ready to eat. One slice being dished out with a gold spoon.

Reasons You Will LOVE this Recipe!

  • Easy to make: This recipe uses canned cinnamon rolls but in the end, the casserole tastes homemade. It’s a win-win!
  • You can make it ahead of time: You can make this right before you need it in the casserole dish OR you can make it in the slow cooker! See my instructions in the post and recipe card below.

Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll Casserole

These ingredients are SO simple and you probably already have them all in your pantry! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact ingredient measurements.

  • Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: These form the base of the casserole. And you don’t even have to make them from scratch! So easy!
  • Half and half: This is used to create a rich and creamy custard.
  • Eggs: I use large eggs when I am baking. The eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure.
  • Ground cinnamon: A little extra dash brings out the flavors in the canned rolls.
  • Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds in some extra sweet flavor.
  • Cream cheese: This is used to provide a creamy and tangy flavor to the frosting.
  • Maple syrup: I like to use maple syrup to sweeten the icing with a rich, maple flavor for the cinnamon roll casserole.
The top few of all of the ingredients laid out and labeled.

Is Cinnamon Roll Casserole Easy to Make?

Yes! This is one of the best casseroles that you can make and serve for breakfast!

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 inch pan with pan spray.
  2. Cut cinnamon rolls: Open the tubes of cinnamon rolls and cut each cinnamon roll into 4 pieces and place them in the prepared pan. Reserve the icing.
  3. Whisk and pour: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour over the cinnamon rolls.
  4. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Make icing:While the casserole is cooling, combine the cream cheese, reserved icing, and maple syrup in a medium bowl and mix until smooth. Drizzle over the casserole just before serving.

Variations and Add ins

  • Make them Orange Flavored: Try this cinnamon roll casserole with canned orange rolls instead of cinnamon rolls! Replace the ground cinnamon with a tablespoon of orange zest and add an additional tablespoon of orange zest to the icing. You may keep the maple syrup in the icing if you prefer, or you may replace it with ¼ cup orange juice.
  • Add ins: Make this a cinnamon apple pecan casserole by tossing ⅓ cup of chopped pecans and 1-2 peeled and diced apples with the cinnamon rolls before topping with the liquid mixture.
  • Skip the Homemade Icing: If you want to skip the homemade icing, go ahead and just use the icing that comes with the tubes of cinnamon rolls instead.
Icing being drizzled over baked cinnamon roll casserole.

Can I Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! This can easily be made in the slow cooker! I love using this method for holidays or slow mornings.

  1. Prep crockpot: Spray the bottom and sides of the crockpot with pan spray. Cut up the cinnamon rolls and distribute them evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. Reserve the icing. 
  2. Whisk and pour: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour over the cinnamon rolls.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 2-2 ½ hours, until the cinnamon rolls are fully baked. 
  4. Prep icing: Once the cinnamon rolls are done cooking, turn the crockpot to ‘warm’ and prepare the icing in a medium bowl. Combine the cream cheese, reserved icing, and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over the cinnamon rolls just before serving.
Cinnamon roll casserole on a plate with a fork.

How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Roll Casserole

  • In the Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked cinnamon roll casserole in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until steaming.
  • To Make Ahead: The casserole may be prepared and placed in the crockpot or casserole dish the night before cooking. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until you are ready to place it in the oven or crockpot to cook. It may require 5-8 additional minutes to bake because the vessel has been chilled.

More Delicious Cinnamon Recipes

Print

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Get ready for a tasty treat with this easy cinnamon roll casserole! Using canned cinnamon rolls, this casserole is so delicious with creamy icing drizzled over warm, golden rolls. It's perfect for any breakfast or brunch!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast casserole, Cinnamon French Toast Bake, Cinnamon Roll French Toast, easy breakfast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 72kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 inch pan with pan spray.
  • Open the tubes of cinnamon rolls and cut each cinnamon roll into 4 pieces and place them in the prepared pan. Reserve the icing.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour over the cinnamon rolls.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
  • While the casserole is cooling, combine the cream cheese, reserved icing, and maple syrup in a medium bowl and mix until smooth. Drizzle over the casserole just before serving.

Crockpot Instructions

  • Spray the bottom and sides of the crockpot with pan spray. Cut up the cinnamon rolls and distribute them evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. Reserve the icing.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour over the cinnamon rolls.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 2-2 ½ hours, until the cinnamon rolls are fully baked.
  • Once the cinnamon rolls are done cooking, turn the crockpot to 'warm' and prepare the icing in a medium bowl. Combine the cream cheese, reserved icing, and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over the cinnamon rolls just before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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Churro Crack https://therecipecritic.com/churro-crack/ https://therecipecritic.com/churro-crack/#comments Sat, 04 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=255629 Delicious and addicting, Churro Crack is a base of saltine crackers layered with toffee and creamy white chocolate, then topped…]]>

Delicious and addicting, Churro Crack is a base of saltine crackers layered with toffee and creamy white chocolate, then topped with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for the most amazing sweet and salty treat. 

The theme park inspired flavors of churros with a mix of cinnamon and sugar simply cannot be beat! Try these incredible waffles, this luscious cheesecake or these fun cupcakes to see what I mean!

A platter of churro crack.

Reasons You Will LOVE This Recipe!

  • Easy! Who doesn’t love an easy dessert recipe? This churro crack recipe is so delicious with the perfect combo of sweet and salty, it knocks it out of the park!
  • Fast: This recipe is done in less than 15 minutes!
  • Only uses a few ingredients: This churro crack only uses 6 ingredients. And I bet that you already have all of them in your pantry!

Churro Crack Ingredients

You only need 6 ingredients to make this addictive churro crack recipe. I loved my Christmas Crack so much that I wanted to make another version! This layered sweet and salty dessert is so delicious that you’re not going to be able to stop eating! You can find the exact measurements below in the recipe card.

  • Saltine Crackers: The salty, crunchy base that helps to keep the toffee together.
  • Butter: Melt with the brown sugar to create the perfectly rich candy toffee topping.
  • Brown Sugar: The brown sugar gives the toffee a deep caramelized flavor.
  • White Chocolate Chips: The layer of melted white chocolate chips adds a deliciously creamy and sweet flavor.
  • Cinnamon and Sugar: The topping is authentic to churros with a simple blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
A top view photo of ingredients on a counter, each labeled.

How to Make Churro Crack

Churro toffee is easy to make, and even easier to eat! Make this for the holidays, a Cinco de Mayo celebration or anytime you’re craving the sweet and salty deliciousness! Here’s how everything comes together:

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add the Crackers: Place the saltine crackers evenly on the prepared pan. The crackers should be touching each other and placed in even rows.
  3. Make the Toffee: In a saucepan over medium-high heat melt the butter and brown sugar. Whisk together and allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes.
  4. Spread Toffee and Bake: Pour the brown sugar mixture over the crackers. Spread out the mixture and bake in the oven for 4 minutes. 
  5. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: While the crackers are in the oven, stir the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. 
  6. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and then immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Allow the chocolate to sit and melt.
  7. Sprinkle Cinnamon and Sugar: Spread the chocolate over the crackers using a knife or an offset spatula then sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar mixture. 
  8. Allow to Harden: Allow the chocolate to harden before serving. Sometimes I place it in the fridge to speed up the process! Break the churro crack into pieces and serve.

Quick Tips

Any type of saltine cracker toffee is usually really easy and straightforward to whip up, but after making it many times, I have some helpful tips so your churro crack is perfect every time!

  • Cover Baking Sheet: Cleanup will be really easy if you add a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of the sheet pan or wrap it in aluminum foil before starting.
  • Melting the White Chocolate: If your chocolate chips aren’t melting after sprinkling them over the caramel then you can pop the pan back in the oven for a few minutes to help them soften up. However, don’t let them get too hot, or they will seize and burn instead of melt!
  • Spread the Chocolate: Very gently spread the melted white chocolate over the toffee and crackers. You don’t want to push down too hard or move too fast because the crackers can slide around and become messy.
  • Speeding up the Hardening Process: To get these to harden quickly, you can place the pan in the fridge before cutting into pieces and serving.
The top view of churro crack in a baking sheet.

Storing Leftovers

Churro crack is great for making ahead of time because it’s simple to store and tastes fabulous for days. Here’s how to keep it fresher longer:

  • At Room Temperature: Place in an airtight container or ziplock bag for 4 to 5 days on the counter at room temperature. However, if your house is too warm and you notice the chocolate melting, place it in the fridge.
  • In the Refrigerator: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this will stay fresh for about 2 weeks.
  • In the Freezer: Store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Because these can stick together, it’s a good idea to add a piece of parchment in between layers so they don’t end up frozen together.
Churro crack broken and stacked in a pile on a cooling rack.

More Sweet and Salty Treats

The perfect snack is a blend of sweet and salty with plenty of crunch! Whether it’s for a special occasion or you’re just in the mood for something deliciously addictive, we have you covered with plenty of tried and true family favorites. Here are some of the recipes we make on repeat that you’re sure to love!

Print

Churro Crack

Delicious and addicting, Churro Crack is a base of saltine crackers layered with toffee and creamy white chocolate, then topped with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for the most amazing sweet and salty treat. 
Course Dessert
Keyword churro crack
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings 24 people
Calories 210kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place the saltine crackers evenly on the prepared pan. The crackers should be touching each other and placed in even rows.
  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat melt the butter and brown sugar. Whisk together and allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes.
  • Pour the brown sugar mixture over the crackers. Spread out the mixture and bake in the oven for 4 minutes.
  • While the crackers are in the oven, stir the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Allow the chocolate to sit and melt.
  • Spread the chocolate over the crackers using a knife or an offset spatula then sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
  • Allow the chocolate to harden before serving. Sometimes I place it in the fridge to speed up the process! Cut into pieces and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 241IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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Cinnamon French Toast Bake https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-french-toast-bake/ https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-french-toast-bake/#comments Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:25 +0000 http://www.recipecritic.com.dev/?p=189 Cinnamon French toast bake is a warm and satisfying breakfast that’s loaded with soft and sweet spiced bread all drizzled…]]>

Cinnamon French toast bake is a warm and satisfying breakfast that’s loaded with soft and sweet spiced bread all drizzled in maple syrup. Your family will go crazy over this insanely delicious (and easy-to-make) breakfast!

For more great breakfast recipes, try this slow cooker cinnamon apple oatmeal, this delicious croissant breakfast casserole, or overnight blueberry French toast!

Baked French toast in a baking dish, topped with pecans.

Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

Cinnamon French toast bake is the perfect recipe for home cooks. It looks and tastes so impressive, but is quick and easy to make! It turns out fantastic every time and is definitely a no-fail recipe. This cinnamon French toast bake is the best because it can easily feed a group or a big family. Plus, for easy prep, you can prepare it the night before and then pop it in the oven in the morning to relieve a bit of that morning chaos. No-fuss breakfasts are the best!

Not only does this French toast bake taste insanely delicious, but it’s SO easy to make. Basically you just get a loaf of cinnamon bread, dredge it in the egg mixture, and then stick it in a baking dish. From there, it just goes in the oven until it’s nice and golden brown! Super simple and tasty, everyone will be wanting the recipe.

Ingredients in Cinnamon French Toast Bake

A short list of pantry staple ingredients is all it takes to create the best cinnamon French toast! You will be obsessed with this stress-free breakfast! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • Butter: Melted butter lines the bottom of the dish to keep it from sticking.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together.
  • Milk: Combine with the eggs, cream, and flavorings to make the custard.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Helps make the custard egg mixture rich and delicious.
  • Ground Cinnamon: So the egg mixture has some additional flavor.
  • VanillaBrings delicious depth of flavor.
  • Salt: Helps enhance all of the ingredients just right.
  • Cinnamon Bread: The heart and soul of cinnamon French toast!
  • Pecans: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a bit of crunch.
  • Maple Syrup: Serve with syrup, if desired.
All of the French toast ingredients laid out. Listed are: eggs, heavy cream, salt, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and cinnamon bread.

How to Make It

This cinnamon French toast bake comes together quickly with just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps. Even beginner bakers will look like pros with this impressive homemade breakfast. It’s perfect for large groups or holiday breakfasts!

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a pastry brush to brush the melted butter all over the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Whisk and Dredge: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Quickly dredge each slice of bread in the mixture before laying them down in the baking dish, staggering them as needed to make them fit.
  3. Pour: Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top of the bread and then sprinkle on the chopped pecans.
  4. Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the bread begins to brown and the bread is cooked on the outside. The undersides will still be soft and custardy, so if you prefer your French toast more done feel free to bake for a few more minutes.
  5. Serve: Drizzle the French toast bake with maple syrup and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar. You can also serve with additional toppings, if desired.

Tips and Variations

This delicious cinnamon French toast bake is impossible to mess up. It’s a breakfast recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

  • Make Ahead: This dish can be made the night before and baked in the morning. Just prepare, then cover it with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
  • Fully Mix the Egg: Mix the egg mixture thoroughly so it can coat the cinnamon toast evenly.
  • Different Bread: If you don’t have cinnamon bread, you can also use French bread, Challah, brioche, raisin bread, or whatever sandwich bread you have on hand!
  • Variations: Add in chocolate chips, other nuts, more spices like nutmeg or cloves, fresh fruit, or chunks of cream cheese to create different versions of this French toast bake that are just as amazing.
  • Toppings: Serve with maple syrup, fruit syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, caramel sauce, a vanilla glaze, or whatever else your heart desires!
Serving a slice of French toast with a wooden spatula.

Storing French Toast Bake

This cinnamon French toast bake is so amazing you most likely will not have leftovers. But if you’re lucky enough to have some extras, either cover the leftovers in the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container or bag. They will stay good for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or heat a skillet or griddle to medium heat and cook each slice for about a minute per side.

A serving on a stoneware plate, surrounded by fresh berries.

More Cinnamon Breakfast Recipes

I love cinnamon at breakfast and so do my kids! It’s almost like we are getting away with eating dessert for breakfast and no one is judging us! Go ahead and try some more of these delicious and sweet cinnamon breakfast recipes. Good luck trying to pick your favorite!

Print

Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Cinnamon French toast bake is a warm and satisfying breakfast that's loaded with soft and sweet spiced bread all drizzled in maple syrup. Your family will go crazy over this insanely delicious (and easy-to-make) breakfast!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword cinnamon bread, Cinnamon French Toast Bake, french toast bake
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 168kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a pastry brush to brush the melted butter all over the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Quickly dredge each slice of bread in the mixture before laying them down in the baking dish, staggering them as needed to make them fit.
  • Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top of the bread and sprinkle on the chopped pecans.
  • Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the bread begins to brown and the bread is cooked on the outside. The undersides will still be soft and custardy, so if you prefer your French toast more done feel free to bake for a few more minutes.
  • Drizzle the French toast with maple syrup and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar. Serve additional toppings, if desired.

Notes

Originally Posted on September 10, 2012
Updated on April 1, 2024

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 451IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg
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Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-roll-breadtwists/ https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-roll-breadtwists/#comments Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:00:00 +0000 http://therecipecritic.com/?p=9190 Everyone LOVES these sweet and fluffy cinnamon roll breadtwists. Homemade dough twisted and baked in brown sugar cinnamon goodness. It’s…]]>

Everyone LOVES these sweet and fluffy cinnamon roll breadtwists. Homemade dough twisted and baked in brown sugar cinnamon goodness. It’s like eating the middle of a cinnamon roll! Perfect for breakfast, enjoy as a snack, or delicious as a dessert.

I love making cinnamon-flavored recipes because they are so versatile. Like my quick 45-minute cinnamon rolls that are delicious for breakfast or dessert! Cinnamon is also the star of the show in this cake or these cookies. You’ll want to make all of them!

Close view of cinnamon roll breadtwists stacked on a plate.

What are Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists?

From the soft, buttery bread to the sweet cinnamon brown sugar coating. Cinnamon roll breadtwists are like breadsticks but much sweeter! This recipe makes a tasty treat with the most beautiful presentation. It starts with an easy homemade dough that gets slathered in butter and sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar. The fun part is twisting the dough into the cutest shape. They bake into soft and fluffy cinnamon roll breadtwists that nobody can resist! It’s like eating the middle of a gooey cinnamon roll.

Speaking of cinnamon rolls, I have lots of delicious cinnamon roll recipes on the blog that I can’t wait for you to try! Make these strawberry cinnamon rolls, these delicious overnight cinnamon rollsand of course, these tasty caramel apple cinnamon rolls. You won’t be able to decide which one to make first!

Ingredients Needed

There are three simple steps to making these cinnamon roll breadtwists. You start with making the dough, then the filling is mixed together and spread over the dough. Finally, the dough is twisted and baked into soft sweet cinnamon roll breadtwists. Here are all of the ingredients you will need. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Dough

  • Water: Use warm water to activate the yeast.
  • Instant Yeast: This yeast helps the dough to rise and become soft.
  • Sugar: This sweetens the dough, making this bread perfect for breakfast or even dessert!
  • Butter: I used unsalted butter in this recipe.
  • Flour: I used all-purpose flour in this recipe.
  • Salt: The salt enhances all of the ingredients in the recipe.

Cinnamon and Sugar

  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the mixture.
  • Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for these cinnamon roll breadtwists. It’s the star of the recipe!
  • Unsalted Butter: Melt the butter to brush on the dough so the cinnamon and sugar sticks!

Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists Recipe

Like other homemade bread dough recipes, these cinnamon roll breadtwists do require some preparation and time. But it’s SO worth the wait! However, this bread is easy to make, and the steps are very straightforward. It’s important to remember that the dough does need to be proofed, so plan ahead!

Make the Dough

  1. Proof the Water, Yeast, and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer add the water, yeast, and sugar. Mix and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy.
  2. Add the Butter, Flour, and Salt: Add in the butter, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough comes together, about 3-4 minutes. You may want to add more flour at this time, ¼ cup at a time. (I ended up adding an additional ¼ cup). The dough should just come clean from the sides.
  3. Rise the Dough: Place the dough into an oiled bowl and cover. Allow the dough to rest for 30-45 minutes until it is nearly doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the Cinnamon and Sugar Mixture: Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Melt the butter in a small bowl. In another bowl mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Shape the Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

  1. Roll Into a Rectangle: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large 9×15 rectangle. About ¼-½ inch thick.
  2. Cut Into Strips: Take a pizza cutter and cut the dough into 12 equal strips. Take each strip and cut them in half lengthwise nearly to the end, but leaving the two pieces connected.
  3. Brush with Butter and Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture: Working one twist at a time, brush with the melted butter on both sides. Cover the buttered dough with the cinnamon sugar.
  4. Twist and Rise: Twist the two strips of dough together, securing the ends so they don’t come undone. Place the twists on the parchment-lined baking sheet and cover. Let the cinnamon twists rise for about 20 minutes.

Bake

  1. Preheat the Oven: While the cinnamon roll breadtwists are rising, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Bake: Once the twists have nearly doubled in size, bake them for 15-20 minutes or until the twists are golden brown.
  3. Enjoy: Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before enjoying them!
First photo of dry ingredients added to the wet ingredients. Second photo of the dough mixed in a stand mixer. Fourth photo of the dough strips. Fourth photo of the cinnamon roll bread twists being shaped.

Tips and Variations

This recipe takes a little extra time, but everyone is going to be impressed! Follow my tips and variations below to make these cinnamon roll breadtwists a success.

  • Yeast: There is a difference between Instant and Active dry yeast, but whichever one you have, proof both of them. Technically you do not have to prove the instant yeast, it does not require “activation” as active yeast does. But I like to “activate” my instant anyway. This way I know whether or not the yeast is good. If your yeast does not bubble and rise after 10 minutes, throw it out. It isn’t good anymore.
  • Pizza Cutter: Using a pizza cutter works wonders when cutting the dough into strips. It glides right over the dough.
  • Serve with a Sweet Dip: These cinnamon roll breadtwists are wonderful on their own but are even better when dipped in a sweet dip like Cannoli Dip or Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip!
Top view of the bread twists baked on a baking sheet.

Leftover Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

Keep the completely cooled cinnamon roll breadtwists in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days. I like to reheat them slightly in the microwave before enjoying them!

Close view of a cinnamon bread twist dipping in frosting.

More Delicious Cinnamon Recipes

Print

Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

Everyone LOVES these sweet and fluffy cinnamon roll breadtwists. Homemade dough twisted and baked in brown sugar cinnamon goodness. It's like eating the middle of a cinnamon roll! Perfect for breakfast, enjoy as a snack, or delicious as a dessert.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cinnamon roll breadtwists, cinnamon roll recipes
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 Breadtwists
Calories 457kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Dough

Cinnamon Topping

Instructions

Make the Dough

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer add the water, yeast, and sugar. Mix and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy.
  • Add in the butter, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough comes together, about 3-4 minutes. You may want to add more flour at this time, ¼ cup at a time. (I ended up adding an additional ¼ cup). The dough should just come clean from the sides.
  • Place the dough into an oiled bowl and cover. Allow the dough to rest for 30-45 minutes until it is nearly doubled in size.
  • Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Melt the butter in a small bowl. In another bowl mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Shape and Bake the Bread Twists

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large 9×15 rectangle. About ¼-½ inch thick.
  • Take a pizza cutter and cut the dough into 12 equal strips. Take each strip and cut them in half lengthwise nearly to the end, but leaving the two pieces connected.
  • Working one twist at a time, brush with the melted butter on both sides. Cover the buttered dough with the cinnamon sugar.
  • Twist the two strips of dough together, securing the ends so they don’t come undone. Place the twists on the parchment-lined baking sheet and cover. Let the cinnamon twists rise for about 20 minutes.

Bake

  • While the cinnamon twists are rising, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Once the twists have nearly doubled in size, bake them for 15-20 minutes or until the twists are golden brown.
  • Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before enjoying them!

Nutrition

Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 715IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 3mg
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Cinnamon Syrup https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-syrup/ https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-syrup/#comments Sat, 21 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=229472 Cinnamon Syrup is the best way to take your pancakes to the next level! It’s creamy and buttery and adds…]]>

Cinnamon Syrup is the best way to take your pancakes to the next level! It’s creamy and buttery and adds delicious cinnamon roll flavor to pancakes, waffles, or anything else you want to sweeten up!

Breakfast just got way better with this homemade syrup! Drizzle it over Buttermilk Waffles, Belgian WafflesApplesauce Pancakes or Sausage Pancake Muffins.

Side shot of cinnamon syrup in small glass container.

Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe

Move over, maple syrup, because cinnamon syrup is my new favorite syrup! Not only is it creamy, rich, and buttery, but with only six simple ingredients, you can mix it up in a matter of minutes! It’s perfect for lazy weekends and holiday breakfast spreads, making it an ideal addition to any meal.

The cinnamon syrup makes any breakfast instantly more special! I think we can all agree that homemade usually tastes best, but sometimes the convenience is not worth the trade-off. Well, with an easy, mouthwatering recipe like this one, making it from scratch is totally worth it!

Cinnamon Syrup Ingredients

To make this cinnamon syrup recipe, you’ll need just six ingredients and a little over 5 minutes! We suggest making a double batch because this recipe is definitely a crowd-pleaser. You’ll want to drizzle it over everything! The recipe card at the end of the post includes measurements for each of the ingredients listed below.

  • Sugar: Use granulated sugar so your syrup has that perfect sweet flavor.
  • Light Corn Syrup: For sticky, sweet syrup that you’re sure to love!
  • Water: Just three tablespoons of water for the best consistency.
  • Ground Cinnamon: A warm and cozy spice that makes this pancake syrup extra special!
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with warmth and a subtle sweetness.
  • Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and the perfect thick texture.

How to Make Cinnamon Pancake Syrup

This is one of the easiest recipes, which is a major plus because once you taste it, you’ll want to enjoy it on repeat. In just 5 minutes, you’ll have sweet, cinnamon deliciousness ready to drizzle over all of your favorite breakfast treats! Here’s how:

  1. Whisk Ingredients: Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan.
  2. Heat Mixture: Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat and then stir for 2 minutes.
  3. Cool: Remove from heat and then allow the syrup to cool for about 5 minutes. 
  4. Mix in the Remaining Ingredients: Whisk in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract.
  5. Serve: Transfer the syrup to a pitcher or jar that is easy to pour and store. Then, enjoy immediately over pancakes, waffles, or French toast!
Overhead process shots of cinnamon syrup cooking on stovetop.

Tips & Variations

While making this cinnamon syrup recipe is straightforward and simple, here are a few tips and ways that you can change it up, so it’s perfect!

  • Let it Cool: Be sure to give the mixture about 5 minutes to cool before adding in the vanilla and evaporated milk. Otherwise, they could burn and give off an unpleasant flavor.
  • Thick or Thin: If you’d like to make the syrup a bit thicker, simmer longer, allowing more of the water to cook off. On the other hand, if you’d like to thin it out, you can add a small amount of water, 1 tbsp at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Pumpkin Spice Syrup: To give this syrup a fall flavor, try swapping the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice. It would be especially delicious served with these pumpkin spice pancakes.
  • Other Ways to Serve: You really can’t go wrong serving this on all kinds of sweet foods. Try it over ice cream, cakecinnamon rollscrepes, or even oatmeal!
Side shot of someone pouring cinnamon syrup over a stack of pancakes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair any sweet breakfast with this homemade syrup! Here are some of my favorite options:

Storage Tips

This cinnamon pancake syrup is great leftover! Properly stored, it will keep well for a week or two (if it lasts that long)!

  • In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or jar. Your syrup will last for 1-2 weeks. The ingredients may settle, so pop it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds and give it a quick stir before use.
Overhead shot of plated pancakes with a bit taken out.

More Delicious Syrup Recipes

Adding different flavors of syrup to pancakes, waffles and French toast can totally change the flavor and elevate them in a big way! I especially love homemade syrups to really take the flavor to the next level!

Print

Cinnamon Syrup

Cinnamon Syrup is the best way to take your pancakes to the next level! It's creamy, buttery and adds delicious cinnamon roll flavor to pancakes, waffles or anything else you want to sweeten up!
Course Breakfast, Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword cinnamon syrup
Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 169kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat stir for 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.05mg
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Cinnamon Babka https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-babka/ https://therecipecritic.com/cinnamon-babka/#respond Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=228628 Delicious Cinnamon Babka is rich, buttery bread with swirling ribbons of cinnamon sugar, topped off with a sweet syrup topping. Tender,…]]>

Delicious Cinnamon Babka is rich, buttery bread with swirling ribbons of cinnamon sugar, topped off with a sweet syrup topping. Tender, soft, and perfectly sweet, this loaf is a welcome treat for any occasion!

Whether it’s the holidays, a special event, or just a lazy morning at home, a warm slice of sweet bread will have everyone coming back for more! Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread, Cinnamon Swirl Bread and Amish Friendship Bread are some of my favorite bread recipes to make at home. They’re simple enough that even novice bakers can conquer making bread from scratch.

A loaf of cinnamon babka sliced so you can see the cinnamon swirls.

Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe

From the soft, buttery bread to the sweet cinnamon filling and sugary topping, Cinnamon Babka is a recipe that always yields delicious flavor with the most beautiful presentation. This sweet bread recipe originated from Eastern Europe and is a Jewish tradition.

This bread uses a brioche dough that’s rolled out, layered with a cinnamon filling, rolled, sliced, and then braided and baked in a loaf pan. Chocolate babka is another popular braided loaf that you’ll want to try!

Ingredients in Cinnamon Babka Bread

There are three main components to make this cinnamon babka bread recipe. You start with making the dough, then the filling is mixed together and spread over the dough. Finally, right after the bread comes out of the oven, the top is brushed with a simple syrup. Here are all of the ingredients you will need for making this bread. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Dough

  • Flour: I used all-purpose flour in this recipe.
  • Sugar: This sweetens the dough, making this bread perfect for breakfast or even dessert!
  • Instant Yeast: This yeast helps the dough to rise and become soft.
  • Eggs: I always like using large eggs in my recipes.
  • Whole Milk: This helps bind the dough together.
  • Salt: The salt enhances all of the ingredients in the recipe.
  • Butter: I used unsalted butter in this recipe.

Filling

  • Dark Brown Sugar: This adds a deliciously sweet, caramelized filling perfect for this cinnamon babka bread.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour works great in this part of the recipe too!
  • Salt: The salt brings out the flavors in the filling.
  • Ground Cinnamon: This classic flavor is what makes this bread so delicious!
  • Butter: I use melted, unsalted butter for the filling.

Simple Syrup

  • Sugar: This adds sweetness to the syrup.
  • Water: When you mix this with the sugar, it makes a syrup for the cinnamon babka bread.

How to Make Cinnamon Babka

Like other homemade bread recipes, cinnamon babka does require some preparation and time. However, this bread is easy to make, and the steps are very straightforward. It’s important to remember that the dough does need to proof overnight, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re making this for a special occasion! Here’s how to make it:

Dough

  1. Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 4 ¼ cups of flour, sugar, and yeast. Add the eggs, warm milk (no warmer than 110 degrees Fahrenheit), and salt. Use the dough hook to mix on low speed until it all starts to combine. If the mixture is too wet and won’t come away from the sides of the bowl then you can add in the additional ½ cup of flour.
  2. Mix in Butter: Add the soft butter 1-2 tablespoons at a time, letting the dough absorb it before adding more. After mixing in the butter, mix on medium-low speed for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth. It will be quite sticky but have a good stretch to it.
  3. Shape and Proof: Lightly oil a large bowl and form the dough into a ball. Place the dough into the bowl, turning it over to coat it in oil. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Filling

  1. Mix the Filling Ingredients: When you are ready to start forming the cinnamon babka bread, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar, salt, four, and cinnamon together. Add the melted butter and mix until a paste forms. Set aside.
6 photos showing how to make the dough, twist it and add the filling.

Baking

  1. Prep the Pans: Spray 2 9×5 inch bread pans with baking spray and set aside. You may line the pans with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on either side if desired.
  2. Roll the Dough: Divide the chilled dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface roll half of the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
  3. Add the Filling: Spread half of the cinnamon filling over the rolled dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one short side of the dough.
  4. Roll the Dough: Starting from the short side opposite the border, roll the dough tightly. Pinch the seam once the whole rectangle has been rolled.
  5. Slice and Twist the Dough: Using a large, sharp knife, slice the log in half lengthwise. Set the two halves side-by-side with the cut side facing up. Twist the halves together 3-4 times, pinching the ends together.
  6. Transfer Dough to Pans: Place the twisted dough gently into one of the prepared pans keeping the cut sides of the dough facing up. Repeat with the second half of the dough and the remaining filling.
  7. Let Dough Rise: Place a clean kitchen towel over the loaves and let them rise in a warm place for 1-½ hours.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the loaves are done rising, bake for 40-45 minutes. The top will be golden brown. The internal temperature of the bread should be 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Simple Syrup

  1. Make the Simple Syrup: While the loaves are in the oven, prepare the simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat.
  2. Brush the Syrup on the Cinnamon Babka Bread: Once the loaves come out of the oven immediately brush the tops of them generously with the syrup.
  3. Cool and Serve: Let the loaves cool for 25-30 minutes in the pan before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
The top view of cinnamon babka baked in a pan.

Tips for Making the Best Babka

Cinnamon babka bread is one of those homemade bread recipes that everyone enjoys. It bakes up soft, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful every time!

  • Knead: Instead of using a mixer, you can stir the ingredients together and then knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more effort and a good 10-15 minutes, but the dough will be soft, smooth, and elastic when it is done.
  • Add raisins or pecans: Once you spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, sprinkle some raisins and/or chopped pecans over the dough before rolling it up.  
  • Coat With Simple Syrup: Don’t skip the sweet syrup topping! This not only adds sweetness but it helps to maintain the moisture in the bread and gives it a gorgeous, shiny top.
sliced cinnamon babka bread on parchment paper.

How Long Does Cinnamon Babka Last?

Trust me, this cinnamon babka bread always goes fast! If you do happen to have leftovers, here’s how to keep it fresh:

  • At Room Temperature: You can store any leftover babka in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 
  • In the Freezer: Loaves of baked babka can be frozen by being wrapped in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and into a large ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature before unwrapping.

More Bread Recipes

Cinnamon bread on a cutting board.
Print

Cinnamon Babka

Delicious Cinnamon Babka is rich, buttery bread with swirling ribbons of cinnamon sugar, topped off with a sweet syrup topping. Tender, soft and perfectly sweet, this loaf is a welcome treat for any occasion!
Course Bread
Cuisine European, jewish
Keyword babka bread recipe, cinnamon babka bread, cinnamon bread
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings 16 slices (2 loaves)
Calories 372kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Dough

Filling

Simple Syrup

Instructions

Dough

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 4 ¼ cups of flour, sugar, and yeast. Add the eggs, warm milk (no warmer than 110 degrees Fahrenheit), and salt. Use the dough hook to mix on low speed until it all starts to combine. Add in the additional ½ cup of flour if the mixture is too wet and won’t come away from the sides of the bowl.
  • Add the soft butter 1-2 tablespoons at a time, letting the dough absorb it before adding more. Once all the butter has been mixed in, mix on medium-low speed for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth. It will be quite sticky but have a good stretch to it.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl and form the dough into a ball. Place the dough into the bowl, turning it over to coat it in oil. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Filling

  • When you are ready to start forming the bread, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar, salt, four, and cinnamon together. Add the melted butter and mix until a paste forms. Set aside.

Baking

  • Spray 2 9×5 inch bread pans with baking spray and set aside. You may line the pans with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on either side if desired.
  • Divide the chilled dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface roll half of the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
  • Spread half of the cinnamon filling over the rolled dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one short side of the dough.
  • Starting from the short side opposite the border, roll the dough tightly, pinching the seam once the whole rectangle has been rolled.
  • Using a large, sharp knife, slice the log in half lengthwise. Set the two halves side-by-side with the cut side facing up. Twist the halves together 3-4 times, pinching the ends together.
  • Place the twisted dough gently into one of the prepared pans keeping the cut sides of the dough facing up. Repeat with the second half of the dough and the remaining filling.
  • Place a clean kitchen towel over the loaves and let them rise in a warm place for 1-½ hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the loaves are done rising, bake for 40-45 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. The internal temp of the bread should read 185 degrees Fahrenheit once they are fully baked.

Simple Syrup

  • While the loaves are in the oven, prepare the simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat.
  • Once the loaves come out of the oven immediately brush the tops of them generously with the syrup.
  • Let the loaves cool for 25-30 minutes in the pan before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 279mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg
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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze https://therecipecritic.com/strawberry-cinnamon-rolls-lemon-cream-cheese-glaze/ https://therecipecritic.com/strawberry-cinnamon-rolls-lemon-cream-cheese-glaze/#comments Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 http://therecipecritic.com/?p=7928 These delicious strawberry cinnamon rolls are made with pie filling and a quick and easy dough. Once you drizzle them…]]>

These delicious strawberry cinnamon rolls are made with pie filling and a quick and easy dough. Once you drizzle them with a delicious lemon glaze, you won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds!

If you love strawberry recipes, then you’ve got to try a few more of my favorites! Start with these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, this yummy Strawberry Crunch Cake or this classic Fresh Strawberry Pie.

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Can you imagine a cinnamon roll with a strawberry glaze and juicy strawberries inside when you take a bite? Life just doesn’t get much better than that. Oh wait, it does. These are frosted with a lemon cream cheese glaze. It took these already amazing cinnamon rolls to the next level! They’re sweet, a little bit zesty, and sure to make your mouth water.

Cinnamon rolls can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t made them from scratch before. Don’t you worry. This recipe is perfect for those that want it quick and easy. I’m impatient when it comes to dough anyway- I don’t want to wait for hours for them to rise. I want to be able to throw everything in the oven within an hour and enjoy the deliciousness ASAP! Once you use this dough recipe, it will become your favorite! And once you taste the amazing strawberry flavor in these cinnamon rolls, you will want to make them for your family again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the long list of ingredients fool you, these strawberry cinnamon rolls use a lot of pantry staples! As long as you have a can of strawberry pie filing and some cream cheese, you’ll likely have everything else needed to whip up these bad boys. All measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives the strawberry cinnamon rolls structure.
  • Instant Yeast: Makes the dough rise and puff up. Be sure you’re using instant yeast and not active dry yeast.
  • White Sugar: Adds sweetness and also helps the dough grow.
  • Salt: Makes everything taste better and the dough stronger.
  • Large Egg: To help hold everything together.
  • Water: Keeps the dough from being too dry.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and nice flavor. Whole milk is best for soft, tender cinnamon rolls.
  • Butter: Makes things rich and tasty. You can’t go wrong with butter!

For the Filling:

  • Strawberry Pie Filling: This is the delightful strawberry jam that you’ll spread inside the dough. If you’re having trouble finding it, check out my tips section below on how to make it from scratch!
  • Cinnamon: Just a sprinkle of it gives the rolls that lovely spiced touch.
  • Sugar: A tiny bit of sugar goes a long way in enhancing the filling for the strawberry cinnamon rolls.

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the magic ingredient that makes the glaze creamy and velvety. When it’s softened, it’s easy to mix and gives the glaze a rich and tangy flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Softened butter blends beautifully with the cream cheese to create a smooth, rich texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it become thick and delightful.
  • Half and Half: This is a mix of milk and cream that adds a bit of creaminess to the glaze. It helps thin it out just enough to make it easy to drizzle.
  • Lemon Juice and Zest: Gives the glaze a bright flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze, making it even more delicious.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Even though this recipe uses homemade dough, these strawberry cinnamon rolls are super easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for them to come out of the oven! Be sure to have one while they’re warm, you’ll be obsessed after the first bite.

  1. Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the milk and butter. Stir until the butter has melted and remove from heat. Let stand until lukewarm temperature.
  2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add to the stand mixer with dough hook attached. (You can also make this by hand, just knead until smooth once all of the ingredients are added.) Add the egg and water and mix until just starting to combine. Slowly add in the milk mixture and 1 cup of flour until the dough starts to form and become smooth. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Shape, Add Filling: On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large 9×15 rectangle. About 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Spread strawberry pie filling evenly on top of the dough. In a small bowl combine the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle on top of the strawberry filling. Roll up the 15 inch side into a log and pinch the seams. Cut into 9-12 slices depending on how thick you want your cinnamon rolls. Place in a greased 9×13 inch pan and cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.
  4. Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 30 minutes or until just golden brown on the tops.

How to Make the Glaze

  1. Beat Cream Cheese: Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients and Lemon Zest: Add the half and half, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined.
  3. Serve: Drizzle over the warm cinnamon rolls and then enjoy!

Tips and Variations

These are a few things to keep in mind as you make your strawberry cinnamon rolls! They’re just a few simple fixes (and fun variations) that will have them turning out perfectly.

  • Homemade Strawberry Filling: Instead of canned strawberry pie filling, you can prepare your own filling. In a saucepan add 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 2 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries and 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice. Let cool completely before spreading over your cinnamon roll dough.
  • Using Other Fruits: Swap out the strawberry pie filling for apple or cherry!
  • Roll Tightly: These strawberry cinnamon rolls are kind of messy to roll up, but if you take your time to pull the dough tight, and even as you roll them, you will end up with a nice swirl of dough through the rolls.
  • Even Slices: Use a serrated knife to gently slice through the rolls. Going slow and carefully with the sawing motion will allow the knife to cut through chunks of strawberry, making the rolls stay intact instead of smooshing them and dragging berries through the dough.

Storing Leftovers and Making Ahead

These strawberry cinnamon rolls can be prepared the night before. After placing the rolls in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and set in the fridge. Remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours before baking as directed!

Baked cinnamon rolls will keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Print

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze

These delicious strawberry cinnamon rolls are made with pie filling and a quick and easy dough. Once you drizzle them with a delicious lemon glaze, you won't be able to resist coming back for seconds!
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cinnamon roll recipes, strawberry cinnamon rolls
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 307kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients:

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 (21 oz) can Strawberry Pie Filling
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the milk and butter. Stir until the butter has melted and remove from heat. Let stand until lukewarm temperature.
  • In a large mixing bowl whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add to the stand mixer with dough hook attached. (You can also make this by hand, just knead until smooth once all of the ingredients are added.) Add the egg and water and mix until just starting to combine. Slowly add in the milk mixture and 1 cup of flour until the dough starts to form and become smooth. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large 9×15 square. About 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Spread strawberry pie filling evenly on top of the dough. In a small bowl combine the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle on top of the strawberry filling. Roll up the 15 inch side into a log and pinch the seams. Cut into 9-12 slices depending on how thick you want your cinnamon rolls. Place in a greased 9×13 inch pan and cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 30 minutes or until just golden brown on the tops.

Glaze

  • Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Add the half and half, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined. Drizzle over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Originally posted April 15, 2014
Updated on August 31, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 434IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg

 

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Apple Bread https://therecipecritic.com/apple-bread/ https://therecipecritic.com/apple-bread/#comments Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=115546 This deliciously sweet apple bread with hints of seasonal spices is the perfect fall dessert. Each bite is packed with…]]>

This deliciously sweet apple bread with hints of seasonal spices is the perfect fall dessert. Each bite is packed with chunks of apple and hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Make this your new fall favorite indulgence.

Apples are in season right now and so delicious! For more sweet apple goodness, try this Cinnamon Apple Bread, Caramel Apple Slab Pie, or Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls.

Front view of apple bread, topped with a sweet glaze.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fall Favorite: This apple bread is the quintessential quick bread to make at home to kick off the fall season.
  • Pantry Staples: This recipe comes together quickly and easily with ingredients you probably already have!
  • Crowd Pleaser: Your whole family, from the youngest to the oldest, will fall in love with this delicious bread! Surprise your kids with a warm slice when they come home from school, and they’ll be singing your praises.

The Best Apple Bread Recipe

Fall baking is one of my absolute favorite times to be in the kitchen. (Now I’m just waiting for the temperatures to finally cool down!) When apples come into season I always have to prepare a batch of this delicious apple bread. It’s so delicious and the perfect mix of hearty and indulgent!

This really is the best apple bread recipe. It’s so simple and has a super soft texture. Spread some creamy cinnamon honey butter over a slice of warmed bread, and you’ll be in fall heaven. You may want to make an extra loaf because this apple bread never lasts long.

What Are the Best Apples for Making Apple Bread?

When baking it’s best to choose a tart and crisp apple instead of a sweet one. This helps to balance the flavor so the apple bread isn’t overly sweet. The best options are Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These apples can also be found year-round if you’re looking to make this bread outside of the fall season.

Ingredients in Apple Bread

The simple ingredients in this apple bread are pantry staples, ones you likely already have on hand. That’s what makes this recipe so great! I recommend stocking up on all of them because they’re common ingredients in many delicious fall recipes. Note: exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the bread’s body and structure.
  • Granulated and Light Brown Sugar: Sweetness and moisture for a yummy caramelized flavor and softness.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a cozy flavor that goes great with apples.
  • Nutmeg: Gives a tasty hint of nutty spice.
  • Baking Soda and Powder: Makes the bread rise and get fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances flavors and makes everything tastier.
  • Eggs: Holds things together and makes the apple bread moist.
  • Oil: So the bread ends up extra moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: For sweet, warm flavor. I recommend using pure vanilla extract or making your own blend.
  • Apples: The star ingredient! They bring sweetness, moisture, and a fruity flavor.

For the Glaze:

  • Apple Cider: Gives the glaze a punch of apple flavor and also adjusts the consistency.
  • Salted Butter: For richness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Makes the glaze nice and sweet and also gives it a smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: For a little extra warmth.

Do the Apples Have to be Peeled?

Yes. Unfortunately, the peel will begin to separate from the apple during the baking process, creating not only air pockets but also an unappetizing texture. To peel the apples quickly, I prefer to use a potato peeler and then slice them into chunks using a knife.

4-photo collage of the batter and glaze being prepared.

How to Make This Apple Quick Bread Recipe

This deliciously decadent bread is super simple to prepare and will make your kitchen smell like fall. A win-win! Follow these simple steps to prepare two tasty loaves.

  1. Preheat Oven, Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper, also greasing the paper.
  2. Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together, then set aside.
  3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. This will be a very thick batter.
  4. Add in Apples: Fold the apples into the batter and add to the prepared bread pan.
  5. Bake: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling.

To Make the Apple Cider Glaze:

  1. Boil the Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the cider to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half.
  2. Combine with the Other Ingredients: Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Drizzle the warm glaze over the top of the cooled bread.
Top-down view of bread cut into 4 thick slices.

Tips and Tricks

Getting ready to whip up a batch of apple bread magic? Before you dive in, here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly.

  • Picking Your Apples: When picking apples for this recipe, be sure to select a variety that stands up well to baking. You don’t want your apples to turn to mush. Granny Smith is a tart green apple often used in pies and would be great in this recipe, but there are several other kinds that are sweeter if that is your preference. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Jonagold, or Braeburn are great options.
  • Don’t Overmix the Wet Ingredients. Once the ingredients appear to be combined stop whisking them and move on to the next step. Overmixing can cause the bread to be too dense and heavy.
  • Split Your Batter: You can split the batter into two 9×5 inch bread pans, but the loaves will be shorter and take less time to bake.
  • Check if Done: Be careful not to underbake your bread. This dense bread takes a long time to bake through. Be sure to check the center of it with a toothpick, as baking times will vary depending on your specific oven.
  • Keep Your Oven Closed: Try to avoid opening the oven until you’re sure it’s fully baked. Sometimes a draft can cause the bread to fall if it’s not close to being done.
  • Other Mix-Ins: You can add walnuts or pecans to give your apple bread more texture and a nutty flavor.
  • Serve With: Apple bread is delicious on its own, but even better when you slather it with some cinnamon honey butter or apple butter!
3 slices of apple bread stacked on top of each other, and one being picked up.

Storing Leftover Apple Bread

  • Countertop: This bread is best fresh out of the oven. We never have leftovers at my house. If you’re lucky enough to have more than crumbs left, wrap leftover bread in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to four days.
  • Freeze: This bread can be frozen by wrapping it in two tight layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Print

Apple Bread

This deliciously sweet apple bread with hints of seasonal spices is the perfect fall dessert. Each bite is packed with apple chunks and hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Make this your new fall favorite indulgence.
Course Bread, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword apple bread, apple quick bread
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 480kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Apple Cider Glaze

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper, also greasing the paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. The batter will be very thick.
  • Fold the apples into the batter and add to the prepared bread pan.
  • Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Apple Cider Glaze

  • In a small saucepan, bring the cider to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half.
  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled bread.

Notes

Originally posted August 19, 2020
Updated on August 30, 2023

Nutrition

Serving: 1loaf | Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
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Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake https://therecipecritic.com/cinnabon-cinnamon-roll-cake/ https://therecipecritic.com/cinnabon-cinnamon-roll-cake/#comments Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.recipecritic.com.dev/?p=204 Cinnamon Roll Cake is a cinnamon roll turned into an ooey-gooey, delicious cake! Swirled with buttery brown sugar cinnamon and topped…]]>

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a cinnamon roll turned into an ooey-gooey, delicious cake! Swirled with buttery brown sugar cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze… this is the BEST cake EVER!

We love all things cinnamon roll at our house! You should also try: Quick 45 minute Cinnamon RollsCinnamon Roll Cupcakes, and Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal!

Closeup of a slice of cinnamon roll cake.

The Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cinnamon roll cake first made its debut on the blog in 2012. One of the first and BEST recipes here on the blog. But the pictures just weren’t doing it any justice. A soft and gooey Cinnabon cinnamon roll turned into a cake!? You know this HAS to be good! The best part is every time I make it, I have all of the ingredients on hand, so there’s no grocery trip required.

This cake gets swirled with buttery cinnamon brown sugar and is baked to perfection. Once you pull it out of the oven, you add on the glaze and it just melts on top perfectly. I am telling you, this cake is to die for. It’s the perfect comfort dessert and great for any occasion! My kids beg me for it all of the time. Serve it fresh out of the oven and it will be gone in a matter of minutes!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake

Together, these ingredients come together to create a delightful cinnamon roll cake that’s both comforting and delicious! I know your family will love it as much as mine does.

  • Flour: Provides the base for the cake, giving it structure and texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake, balancing the sweetness.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake batter and the cinnamon filling.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter, so you have an extra tender cake.
  • Eggs: Contribute to the cake’s structure and also help bind the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor into the cake, enhancing its taste.
  • Butter (melted and softened): Melted butter in the batter adds richness, while softened butter in the filling creates a gooey texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a luscious, caramel-like filling with a hint of molasses flavor.
  • Cinnamon: For that classic cinnamon roll taste.
  • Nuts (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty flavor for those who enjoy extra texture.

For the Glaze:

  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and also gives the glaze a smooth texture.
  • Milk: To adjust the consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: For some extra delicious flavor!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Grab all of your ingredients and get ready to make the most amazing cinnamony dessert! Cinnamon roll cake will have the whole family hooked after the first bite.

  1. Preheat Oven, Prepare Batter: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Then with an electric mixer or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Once that is combined, you slowly stir in 4 T melted butter. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
  2. Brown Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a medium sized bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts if you are using them. Then drop evenly over the cake better in your 9×13 inch pan. Use a knife to marble and swirl over the cake.
  3. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center.
  4. Top With Glaze: Make the glaze by adding the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla to a medium sized bowl. Then whisk until smooth and drizzle over warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Brown sugar cinnamon mixture being swirled into the dough.

Tips and Variations

Get ready to dive into the delicious world of cinnamon roll cakes. Even though this is a super simple recipe, a little insider knowledge can make all the difference. So, I’ve whipped up some handy tips and creative twists to help you create a cinnamon roll cake that you’ll absolutely love!

  • Can I Add Nuts to My Cake? The recipe has an option to add nuts with the butter cinnamon brown sugar mixture. You can add chopped pecans or even walnuts for an even better cake!
  • How Do I Tell if The Cake is Done? Stick a toothpick in the center and if it comes out clean it is done. The cinnamon roll cake will be slightly brown and the edges will slightly pull away from the sides.
  • Even Spreading: When spreading the buttery cinnamon filling, try to distribute it as evenly as possible over the cake batter to ensure a consistent swirl throughout.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them mix together smoothly and evenly.
  • Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese with the brown sugar and cinnamon for a tangy and creamy filling.
Closeup of cinnamon roll cake.

Storing Leftovers

Got some of that irresistible cinnamon roll cake left? No worries, it’s all about savoring the goodness later on! Once it’s cooled down, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It will stay good for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to indulge, a quick warm-up in the microwave or a gentle reheat in the oven will bring back that freshly baked magic.

Top-down view of a slice of cake being lifted from the pan.
Print

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a cinnamon roll turned into an ooey-gooey, delicious cake! Swirled with buttery brown sugar cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze… this is the BEST cake EVER!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cinnabon cinnamon roll cake, cinnamon roll cake
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 334kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Glaze:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With an electric mixer or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Once that is combined, you slowly stir in 4 T melted butter. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
  • In a medium sized bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts if you are using them. Drop evenly over the cake better in your 9×13 inch pan. Use a knife to marble and swirl over the cake.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center.
  • Make the glaze by adding the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla to a medium sized bowl. Whisk until smooth and drizzle over warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Originally posted September 1, 2018
Updated on August 16, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 1.6mg
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