Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Microwave the milk in a measuring jug for about 30 seconds. You want it warm to touch but not hot, so it doesn’t kill the yeast. Pour the milk into your bread machine insert.
- Stir in the brown sugar and yeast, then cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let it sit for 5 minutes. I know most bread machine manuals skip this step, but I can’t tell you how many times inactive yeast has ruined a batch. I’d rather toss a little milk and sugar than waste the entire loaf!
- After 5 minutes, your mixture should look a little foamy with small bubbles on top. That’s your sign that it’s alive and ready to go. If not, discard and start fresh with new yeast.Crack in your egg, then add vanilla, butter, and cinnamon. You don’t need to stir, the machine will handle it.
- Pour your flour right on top of the wet ingredients. It creates a clean layer and helps the bread rise evenly.
- Use your finger to make a small well in the top of the flour and add the salt. Lightly cover it back up with flour. This keeps it from coming into contact with the yeast too early, which can slow down the rise.
- Insert the pan back into the machine, select the Sweet Bread program, and choose the 1 & ½ lb loaf size. Press start.
- My compact Cuisinart runs for about 3 hours 20 minutes. I prefer the darkest crust setting for this loaf, it brings out that caramelized cinnamon color and gives the edges a slight crunch that’s beautiful for French toast.
- When the cycle finishes, carefully remove the pan with oven gloves. Turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack and let it rest at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during the holidays for a festive twist.
- A handful of raisins or chopped nuts gives extra texture and sweetness.
- For a lighter crumb, use half bread flour and half all-purpose.
Storage
- I slice this bread when cold into ½ to 1 inch thick, chunky slices for French toast. Store sliced in freezer bags and use within 90 days for best flavor.
- You can store it like any other bread at room temperature for up to 2 days, but it truly shines once frozen and reheated as it toasts beautifully too!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.