Growing up my stepmom used to make the most wonderful friendship bread every fall. When Mike and I married, we were gifted a starter, but it wasn’t long before our family needed to go gluten free.

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At the time there wasn’t much in the way of gluten free bread mixes, and instead of feeling nostalgic at the smell of cinnamon bread baking in the oven, I felt disappointed.
My mom came across the Krusteaz line of baking mixes a few years ago and we’ve been hooked ever since.
My favorite is the Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake & Muffin Mix. It is delicious on its own, but it also makes a great base for our family’s favorite baked treats throughout the fall and holidays.

Today I’m sharing 3 different baked breads made using the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl mix that take simple ingredients, but result in tasty seasonal treats that are gluten free!
NO.1 APPLE CINNAMON BREAD
What better way to add a bit of “fall” to this box mixture than chopped apples?
The recipe calls for the cinnamon and sugar topping to be sprinkled on top of the dough before baking, but I use a 1/2 cup of the mixture and add it to the dough to spread the cinnamon flavor throughout. Then, peel and dice a fresh apple to add to the dough as well. I find using apples that are more on the tart side, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works best. Other than these minor changes, I follow the recipe that’s included in the box.
We’ve enjoyed this for breakfast, and dessert with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream!
NO.2 CRANBERRY & WALNUT LOAF
Another great option that results in a less sweet flavor is adding chopped walnuts and dried cranberries to the bread mix. I love this option for a more “harvest” flavor. Follow the recipe included in the box.
NO.3 PUMPKIN BREAD
This version is a repeat of an old Weight Watchers recipe. Using only the bread mixture, a 1/2 cup of the cinnamon and sugar recipe, and one can of pumpkin puree this makes for the yummiest autumn treat. Try making these as muffins for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack!
I love spreading softened cream cheese over this version of the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Mix!

These recipes are perfect for not only breakfast but also a special treat. You can always gift freshly baked bread to family and friends, too!
We’ve made several varieties with the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake and Muffin Mix, but the Apple Cinnamon Bread is our favorite!

Happy baking!
