Fried Bannock Coated in Cinnamon Sugar
Golden and crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside — fried bannock coated in cinnamon sugar is pure comfort food. This traditional Indigenous bread, when fried and rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar, transforms into something similar to a rustic doughnut, but with a rich, hearty texture that makes it truly special.
It’s quick to prepare, requires simple pantry ingredients, and is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
What Is Bannock?
Bannock is a simple quick bread traditionally made by many Indigenous peoples of North America. It can be baked, cooked over a fire, or fried. The fried version creates a crisp exterior with a soft, tender center — ideal for coating in sweet cinnamon sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No yeast required
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Simple pantry ingredients
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Ready in under 30 minutes
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Crispy outside, fluffy inside
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Tastes like a rustic cinnamon doughnut
Ingredients (Makes 8–10 pieces)
For the Bannock Dough:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 tablespoon sugar
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons butter (melted) or oil
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¾ to 1 cup warm milk or water
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil (about 1–2 inches deep in pan)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Add melted butter and mix lightly with a fork.
Gradually pour in warm milk or water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Start with ¾ cup and add more only if needed.
The dough should be soft but not sticky. Avoid overmixing — this keeps the bannock tender.
2. Shape the Bannock
Lightly flour your surface.
Turn out the dough and gently knead 4–5 times, just until smooth.
Flatten the dough to about ½-inch thickness.
Cut into wedges, squares, or rounds. You can also poke a small hole in the center for a doughnut-style look.
3. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet until it’s about 1–2 inches deep.
Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a small piece of dough — it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
4. Fry the Bannock
Carefully place a few pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding.
Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
Turn once using tongs.
Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll each piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly and creates a slightly crisp outer layer.
Tips for Perfect Fried Bannock
Don’t Overwork the Dough
Overmixing can make bannock dense instead of fluffy.
Keep Oil at the Right Temperature
Too hot = dark outside, raw inside.
Too cool = greasy bannock.
Coat While Warm
Cinnamon sugar sticks best when the bannock is freshly fried.
Delicious Variations
Honey Drizzle
Drizzle warm honey over the cinnamon-coated bannock.
Maple Sugar Version
Replace granulated sugar with maple sugar for deeper flavor.
Stuffed Bannock
Add a small spoonful of jam or chocolate in the center before sealing and frying.
Savory Option
Skip the sugar coating and serve with butter, jam, or even alongside soups and stews.
Serving Ideas
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Breakfast treat with coffee
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After-school snack
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Cozy winter dessert
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Campfire cooking treat
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Weekend brunch centerpiece
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Bannock is best eaten fresh, but you can:
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Store at room temperature for 1 day (covered).
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Reheat in oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
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Avoid microwaving too long — it softens the crispy exterior.
Why This Recipe Works
The baking powder creates quick lift, giving the bannock a light interior. Frying forms a crisp golden crust, and the cinnamon sugar adds sweetness and texture. The contrast between crunchy outside and soft inside makes every bite satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Fried bannock coated in cinnamon sugar is simple, nostalgic comfort food at its best. It’s rustic yet indulgent, quick yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, this sweet version of traditional bannock is guaranteed to disappear fast.