Crafting this cinnamon bread is as much about the process as it is about the result. Let’s dive into the steps and create a loaf that’s bound to bring smiles around your table.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This will be your cinnamon sugar mixture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender crumb.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
7. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp.
9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.