Maple Cinnamon Crunch Bread (gluten-free and dairy-free)

This Maple Cinnamon Crunch Bread is a delicious and easy sweet loaf to make that’s gluten-free, dairy-free and the ultimate quick bread for a breakfast treat or snack!

As the weather turns cooler and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Maple Cinnamon Crunch Bread—a delicious, gluten-free treat that’s perfect for any autumn day. Whether you’re having it as a sweet breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this bread brings the warm flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon into every bite. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be customized with add-ins like white chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.

This maple cinnamon crunch bread has a golden crust with a swirl of cinnamon sugar, making it irresistibly crunchy on the outside and soft, moist, and flavorful on the inside. If you’re looking for a baked good that tastes like fall and fills your home with an incredible aroma, you’re going to love this recipe!

Here’s why this bread is bound to become a favorite:

1. Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the melted coconut oil (or butter) and maple syrup, this bread turns out incredibly moist without being heavy. Each bite is soft, tender, and full of flavor, which makes it perfect for a light snack or dessert.

2. Cinnamon Crunch Swirl: The swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout the loaf adds a crunchy texture and a pop of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the bread. It’s a treat for both your taste buds and your senses.

3. Easy to Customize: You can easily make this recipe your own by adding mix-ins like white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of glaze on top. Whether you want it sweeter, crunchier, or nuttier, the base recipe is flexible and welcomes personal touches.

4. Perfect for Any Time of Day: Maple cinnamon crunch bread isn’t just for breakfast! It makes an excellent mid-afternoon snack, a sweet treat to go with your coffee, or even a light dessert. It’s satisfying but not too indulgent, making it ideal for any time you want a little something sweet.

Let’s dive in and take a closer look at how to make this delicious bread.

What ingredients you need to make this Maple Cinnamon Crunch Bread:

• Melted coconut oil or butter – Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor and helps keep the bread moist, but you can use butter if you prefer.
• Egg – The egg helps bind the ingredients together and gives the bread its structure.
• Coconut sugar – This unrefined sugar gives a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the bread and pairs well with the cinnamon and maple syrup.
• Maple syrup – Pure maple syrup is the star ingredient here, adding a rich, earthy sweetness that can’t be beat.
• Milk of choice (I used almond) – This helps thin the batter and adds moisture. Feel free to use any milk you prefer, such as almond, oat, or dairy milk.
• Gluten-free all purpose flour – To keep the bread gluten-free, I used a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re not avoiding gluten, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, giving the bread its signature fall flavor.
• Optional: white chocolate chips – For an extra sweet touch, fold in some white chocolate chips. They melt into the bread and create pockets of creamy goodness.

Instructions for Making Maple Cinnamon Crunch Bread:

Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and grease it well to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or butter), egg, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and milk. Mix until smooth and well combined. 

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. If you’re adding white chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage. 

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Crunch Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the coconut sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil (or butter) for the cinnamon crunch swirl. This mixture will be used to layer and top the bread.

Step 5: Layer the Bread Batter and Swirl

Pour half of the bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon crunch swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. 

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is fully cooked. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready!

Customization Ideas:

One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add an extra crunch and complement the maple and cinnamon flavors.
• Drizzle with glaze: For a bakery-style finish, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk over the cooled bread.
• Make it dairy-free: If you’re avoiding dairy, this recipe is already dairy-free when using coconut oil and almond milk, but make sure to skip the white chocolate chips or use dairy-free white chocolate.

This bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent breakfast. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Or simply enjoy a slice (or two) as a delicious dessert.

Maple cinnamon crunch bread is the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and warm flavors that make fall baking so special. With its easy-to-follow recipe and versatile ingredients, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toast a slice the next day, it’s bound to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting.

Happy baking!

A few other delicious quick bread recipes to try:

Delicious Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

The Best Healthy Apple Bread Ever (vegan + gluten-free)

Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Bread (gluten-free)

Gluten-free Strawberry Bread