Maple Butter Cinnamon Bread is a delightful and aromatic treat that fills your home with the warm scents of cinnamon and maple. This recipe combines the sweetness of maple syrup with rich butter, creating a soft and fluffy bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Whether you enjoy it toasted with a pat of butter or as a base for French toast, this Maple Butter Cinnamon Bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, maple syrup, granulated sugar, and eggs. Mix well until combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the frothy yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Add the Topping: Spread a thin layer of melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into equal pieces (about 1-2 inches thick).
- Second Rise: Place the cut pieces into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might want to use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf.
How do I store Maple Butter Cinnamon Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the dough for added texture and flavor. Just fold them in before the second rise.
What can I serve with Maple Butter Cinnamon Bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of additional maple syrup. It’s also delicious on its own!