We’ve always been captivated by the warm, cinnamony allure of Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread, a beloved favorite that originated from the fresh-baked wonders of Great Harvest bakeries. This hearty loaf bursts with pockets of cinnamon that turn every slice into a comforting delight, perfect for cozy mornings or sweet snacks.
As passionate bakers ourselves, we’re excited to bring this classic recipe to your kitchen. It’s simple yet rewarding, letting us recreate that signature flavor with ease and share the joy of homemade goodness.
Ingredients
To bring the warm, cinnamon-filled flavor of our Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread to life, we gather these essential ingredients in the order they’re used—from dry basics to flavorful add-ins. We’ll prepare each with specific notes for the best results.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups, sifted to ensure a light and airy texture that forms the base of our dough.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, used to feed the yeast and add subtle sweetness—measure it precisely for balanced flavor.
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet), proofed in warm water to activate its rising power quickly.
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons, the star spice that infuses every bite—use a fresh batch for that signature burst of warmth.
Wet Ingredients
- Warm milk: 1 cup, heated to 110°F for optimal yeast activation—stir it gently to avoid curdling.
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, melted to bind the dough and add rich moisture—let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Large eggs: 2, beaten lightly to incorporate air and provide structure—ensure they’re at room temperature for even blending.
Add-Ins and Toppings
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed firmly for the cinnamon swirl filling—mix it with extra cinnamon for a gooey layer.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup, optional for added crunch—toast them briefly if you want deeper nutty notes.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure variety for enhanced aroma—add it last to the wet mix to preserve its fragrance.
Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly transition from preparing our ingredients to baking the Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread, we rely on a set of essential tools and equipment. These items ensure precise measurements, even mixing, and perfect baking, allowing us to achieve that signature warm, cinnamon-filled loaf with ease and confidence.
Must-Have Tools
We recommend gathering the following tools, organized by their role in the recipe process. This setup not only streamlines our baking but also enhances safety and efficiency:
- Mixing Bowls: A large stainless steel or glass mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients and a medium one for wet ingredients. These help in even distribution and prevent sticking during the dough preparation.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ¼ cup) and measuring spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, etc.) for accurate ingredient measurement. Precision here is key to activating the yeast and achieving the ideal dough consistency.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: A powerful stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, or a sturdy hand mixer with beaters, to knead the dough efficiently. We find this tool indispensable for developing gluten without overworking the dough by hand.
- Baking Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, preferably non-stick or lined with parchment paper, to shape and bake the bread evenly. This ensures the loaf rises perfectly and develops that golden, crispy exterior.
Additional Equipment for Optimal Results
For those looking to elevate their baking experience, consider these extras:
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Essential for checking the temperature of warm milk or proofed dough, ensuring it’s between 100°F and 110°F for yeast activation. Accurate temperature control prevents the yeast from dying and guarantees a light, fluffy texture.
- Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A flexible silicone spatula for scraping bowls clean and folding in add-ins like chopped nuts, or a wooden spoon for initial stirring. These tools maintain the dough’s integrity without introducing excess air.
- Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack to let the baked bread cool evenly after removing it from the oven. This step is crucial for preventing sogginess and preserving the bread’s moist, cinnamon-burst interior.
By having these tools ready, we make the baking process straightforward and enjoyable, building directly on our ingredient preparation to create a homemade masterpiece.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients measured and tools ready, let’s guide you through baking our irresistible Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread. We’ll break down each step for perfect results every time.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we start, ensure all components are prepped for seamless mixing. In a small bowl, activate the yeast by dissolving 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1/2 cup of warm milk (around 110°F) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and set it aside to cool slightly. Crack 2 large eggs into another bowl and whisk them lightly. This preparation step guarantees even incorporation and optimal yeast activation for a light, fluffy loaf.
Mix the Dough
With ingredients ready, we combine them to form the base. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon until evenly distributed. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, whisked eggs, and an additional 1/2 cup of warm milk. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or a wooden spoon, mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until a shaggy dough forms. This step ensures the wet and dry elements blend thoroughly, setting the stage for a tender, flavorful bread.
Knead the Dough
Once mixed, we develop the dough’s structure through kneading. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or continue with the stand mixer on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Add a sprinkle of flour if needed to prevent sticking, but avoid over-flouring to maintain the dough’s moisture. Proper kneading, as we do here, activates the gluten for that signature chewy texture in our Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread.
First Rise
After kneading, we let the dough rest and rise to enhance its flavor and volume. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides, then cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Watch for visual cues like a puffy appearance and finger indentations that remain when pressed—this first rise infuses the bread with airy pockets and deepens the warm cinnamon aroma.
Shape the Bread
With the dough risen, we form it into a loaf for even baking. Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 9×14 inches, ensuring the thickness is even. Fold the sides inward and roll it up tightly from one end to form a log, pinching the seams to seal. Place the shaped loaf seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. This shaping technique, which we refine for our recipe, creates the perfect structure for those delightful cinnamon bursts to shine.
Add Cinnamon Bursts
We incorporate the signature element that makes our Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread extraordinary. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of softened butter to create a paste. Using a knife, make shallow cuts or swirls on the top of the shaped dough and spread the paste evenly over the surface, allowing it to seep into the cuts for pockets of flavor. For added crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped nuts if desired. This step delivers those irresistible bursts of sweet, spicy goodness throughout every slice.
Second Rise
To achieve maximum fluffiness, we give the dough a final rise. Cover the shaped and topped loaf loosely with a towel and let it rise again in a warm area for 30-45 minutes, or until it rises about 1 inch above the pan’s edge. Keep an eye on the dough’s expansion— it should feel light and springy when gently pressed. This second rise, essential for our bread, ensures a lofty, tender crumb that captures the essence of homemade baking.
Bake the Bread
Finally, we bring it all together in the oven for a golden finish. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the risen loaf on the middle rack for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190-200°F. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The result is a loaf with a crisp crust and soft, cinnamon-infused interior that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread even more convenient, we can prepare elements in advance without compromising its warm, cinnamon-infused flavor and fluffy texture. This approach allows us to enjoy fresh-baked bread with minimal effort on busy mornings or special occasions.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
We recommend mixing and kneading the dough up to 24 hours in advance for optimal flavor development. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Activate the yeast and mix the dough as outlined in our baking instructions, but stop after the first rise. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release gases.
- Shape and refrigerate: Form the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This slow, cold rise enhances the bread’s depth of flavor and makes the cinnamon bursts even more pronounced.
- Bring to room temperature: When ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. This ensures even baking and a golden, irresistible crust.
Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Paste in Advance
The signature cinnamon burst element can be prepped ahead to save time:
- Combine the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and any optional add-ins like chopped nuts in a small bowl.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Simply spread it over the dough just before the second rise for that burst of warmth and aroma.
Storing Baked Bread
If we’ve baked extra loaves, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent sogginess.
- For short-term storage, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag. It maintains quality for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore its soft interior and fragrant appeal.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Wrap tightly to preserve moisture and flavor. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Use only if needed; texture may dry out faster. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Double-wrap for protection against freezer burn. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our homemade Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread is always ready to delight with its cozy, irresistible taste.
Conclusion
We’ve loved guiding you through our take on Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread
It’s a simple way to bring cozy flavors into your routine
Baking this at home lets us savor fresh, irresistible results every time
Give it a try and make it part of your go-to recipes for pure baking joy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread?
Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread is a cozy, cinnamon-filled loaf that’s perfect for mornings or snacks. It’s a homemade version of a classic favorite, featuring warm flavors from ingredients like cinnamon and sugar, offering a soft texture and inviting aroma that brings joy to baking enthusiasts.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and cinnamon for flavor and structure. Wet ingredients include warm milk, butter, and eggs for moisture and rise. Optional add-ins like brown sugar, nuts, or vanilla enhance taste. Gather these for a simple, delicious bake.
What tools are required to make this bread?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a mixer for kneading, and a 9×5-inch loaf pan for even baking. For better results, use an instant-read thermometer, spatula, or cooling rack. These items make the process straightforward and help achieve a perfect loaf.
How do I bake Great Harvest Cinnamon Burst Bread?
Start by activating yeast with warm milk, then mix dry and wet ingredients to form dough. Knead until smooth, let it rise, shape into a loaf with cinnamon-sugar paste, and allow a second rise. Bake at the recommended temperature until golden and fragrant, resulting in a soft, flavorful interior.
Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Activate yeast, mix and shape the dough, then refrigerate for a slow rise that boosts flavor. Make the cinnamon-sugar paste ahead and store it, too. This method keeps the bread fresh and convenient for busy schedules.
How should I store the baked bread?
Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze slices or the whole loaf for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat for that fresh-baked taste.