Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but short on time? Then this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Bread Machine recipe is your answer! This easy recipe delivers a deliciously sweet and spiced loaf with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings. Forget complicated kneading and proofing – your bread machine does all the hard work, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the delicious results. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, extra for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare your bread machine: Make sure your bread machine pan is clean and ready to go. Most machines will have a specific order for adding ingredients. Consult your machine’s manual for precise placement if necessary.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the warm water, oil, egg, and 1/3 cup packed brown sugar to your bread machine pan. Be sure the water is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
- Add dry ingredients: Next, add the flour, yeast, salt, and ground cinnamon to the pan. If using nuts, add them now. If adding an extra brown sugar topping, set aside for later.
- Select the settings: Choose the “basic” or “dough” setting on your bread machine. Most machines offer a setting that automatically kneads and bakes the bread for you.
- Let the machine do its magic: Close the lid and let your bread machine do the hard work. Enjoy this time to catch up on other tasks!
- Add the topping (optional): About 15 minutes before the baking cycle is complete (check your machine's manual for timing), carefully open the lid and sprinkle the additional 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the top of the rising dough. Be careful not to burn yourself with steam.
- Remove and cool: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the bread machine pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Cinnamon Bread:
- Use fresh yeast: Old yeast won't activate properly, resulting in a flat loaf. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Let the bread machine do its job!
- Experiment with flavors: Add raisins, cranberries, or other dried fruits for a delicious twist. A touch of nutmeg or cardamom can also enhance the spice profile.
- Store properly: Store your leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, depending on the brand of flour used.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a vegan butter substitute in place of vegetable oil.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on size and added ingredients)
- Fat: Around 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-30g
- Protein: Around 3-4g
This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Bread Machine recipe is a delightful addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. It's a simple and satisfying recipe, perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or a delicious weekend treat. Enjoy the delicious smell and taste of this easy and satisfying bread!