July 1, 2025

Sugar and Spice Breakfast Bread

Bake comforting Sugar and Spice Breakfast Bread! This easy recipe features warm spices & sweet raisins, topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. Perfect for cozy mornings.

Welcome a delightful aroma into your kitchen with our cherished Sugar and Spice Breakfast Bread! This recipe has been a family favorite for generations, bringing warmth and comfort to our mornings. Its perfect balance of sweetness and spice makes it an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly simple to bake, ideal for cozy breakfasts or a lovely brunch addition.

Make it Easier (Shortcuts):

Pre-mixed Dry Ingredients: Keep a jar of the pre-measured dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar for the dough) ready for quick assembly.
Melted Butter for Shortening: If you don’t have solid shortening on hand, you can use melted butter for both the dough and the topping in a pinch, though the texture might be slightly different.

Add More Flavor (Enhancements):

Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
Citrus Zest: Include 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the dough to brighten the flavors and add a subtle citrus note.

Serving Suggestions & Drink Pairings:

Serve warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Enjoy alongside a hot cup of coffee, a steaming mug of tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a side of scrambled eggs for a more complete breakfast.

Recipe Variations:

Apple-Cinnamon Twist: Replace the raisins with 1/2 cup of finely diced apples (peeled or unpeeled, depending on preference) and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
Chocolate Chip Delight: Substitute the raisins with 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) for a sweeter, more indulgent version.
Streusel Topping: Instead of the simple sugar-cinnamon topping, make a streusel with 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, cut together until crumbly, and sprinkle on top before baking.

Sugar and Spice Breakfast Bread

A classic, comforting breakfast bread featuring a blend of warm spices and sweet raisins, topped with a delightful sugar-cinnamon crust. Perfect for a cozy morning treat or an easy-to-make brunch item.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword Breakfest

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Ingredients

2 cups approximately 240g all-purpose flour, sifted
1/3 cup 75g shortening (such as Crisco or butter-flavored shortening)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup 180ml whole milk (or dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk)
1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
1/2 cup 75g raisins (dark or golden)
Topping:
1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar or light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon 15g unsalted butter, melted (or additional shortening)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Cut in Shortening: Add the 1/3 cup shortening to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Wet Ingredients & Raisins: In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the egg and milk. Add the raisins to the flour mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Mix Dough: Stir gently with a spoon or spatula just until the dough comes together and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. The dough will be thick.
Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar (white or brown), 1 tablespoon melted butter (or shortening), and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix well until a crumbly topping forms.
Assemble & Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the surface of the dough.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the breakfast bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice and serve warm.