Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon), Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia) Allergen-Free
cinnamon

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Lauraceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Tree bark

The Forktionary Angle

"The Versatile Aromatic"

Definition

An aromatic spice derived from the inner bark of several tree species, known for its sweet, woody, and warm flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Woody
TexturePowdery
AromaWarm, Spicy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Usage

One of the oldest and most widely used spices, essential in many global cuisines.

Science Fact

Cinnamaldehyde is the primary compound giving cinnamon its distinct flavor and aroma.

Storage Tip

Ground cinnamon lasts 6-12 months; cinnamon sticks remain potent for 2-3 years.

Nutrition Facts

Per 2.6 g (1 tsp)
Calories247 kcal
Total Fat1.2 g
Saturated Fat0.3 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein4.0 g
Total Carbohydrate80.6 g
Dietary Fiber53.1 g
Total Sugars2.2 g
Calcium1000 mg
Iron8.3 mg
Potassium431 mg

Chef’s Secret

To enhance cinnamon's aroma in baking, bloom it in a bit of hot liquid (water, milk, oil) before adding to dry ingredients.

Substitutions

Best Match

Nutmeg

1:1

Offers a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor, suitable for baking.

Allspice

1:1

Combines flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Cloves

1:0.5

More intense and pungent, use sparingly.

Cardamom

1:1

Adds a complex, fragrant, and slightly citrusy-pine flavor.

Buying Guide

Choose Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) for a milder, complex flavor, or Cassia for a stronger, spicier note.

Flavor Pairings

Apples Pears Chocolate Coffee Lamb Curries Oatmeal

Recipes Using Cinnamon

Time To Make Breads Main Ingredient Quick Breads

Keep It Going German Friendship Cake

This unique German Friendship Cake is a delightful tradition, passed along like a chain letter but much tastier! Imagine a moist, subtly sweet cake that's surprisingly easy to make. Start a fun tradition at work, school, or with friends – watch this cake 'keep going' for weeks, bringing joy and deliciousness wherever it travels. It's a true testament to friendship and community, and one bite will have you hooked. Try it today!

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Equipment Poultry Caribbean Dinner Party

Jamaican Me Hungry Chicken Bake

Transport your taste buds to Jamaica with this irresistible chicken bake! The aromatic blend of spices creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list – the result is well worth the effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for the most delicious aroma to fill your kitchen!

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Breakfast Dietary 4 Hours Or Less Low In Something

Relatively Healthy Cinnamon Buns

Indulge in guilt-free deliciousness with these surprisingly healthy cinnamon buns! Inspired by a Weight Watchers recipe, these fluffy, flavorful treats are unbelievably moist and aromatic. The perfect weekend breakfast or sweet treat – you won't believe how light and satisfying they are!

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Course Low Saturated Fat Healthy Sauces

Rhubarb Victoria Sauce

This vibrant Rhubarb Victoria Sauce recipe delivers a sweet and tangy explosion of flavor, perfect for pairing with meats or enjoying on its own. Made with fresh rhubarb, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and results in a delicious sauce you'll want to make again and again. Preserve the summer taste by canning your sauce for later enjoyment!

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Stove Top Main Dish Preparation Course

1 Spicy Sweet Honey Chili

Indulge in this sinfully sweet and tastefully spicy Honey Chili recipe! It's so addictive, you might just find yourself eating multiple bowls. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory ground beef with a touch of honey and a kick of chili heat for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, serve it over rice, spaghetti, or with crusty bread and cheese. Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Dietary Romantic Easy Main Ingredient

1 001 Nights Cake

Transport your taste buds to the Arabian Nights with this incredibly quick and easy honey cake! Imagine a buttery, eggy cake base topped with a mesmerizing, chewy confection of caramelized butter, sugar, honey, crunchy almonds, and warm cinnamon. Think pecan pie, but amplified – far more caramelized and intensely toothsome. This recipe is perfect for a delightful dessert that's surprisingly simple to make.

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Low Calorie Time To Make Low Calorie For 1 Or 2

3 Minute Apple Cobbler

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this incredibly quick and easy 3-Minute Apple Cobbler! Perfect for a cozy fall evening or a last-minute dessert craving. This recipe uses pantry staples for a delicious microwaveable cobbler that's ready in minutes. Get ready for warm, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a creamy finish!

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Course Low Protein Main Ingredient Easy

30 Minute Cobbler

This incredibly easy peach cobbler recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Adapted from a recipe by Chef Andy Broder of Sweet Basil Gourmet Cooking Store, this dessert comes together in under an hour and delivers big on flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress!

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

A Taste Of Africa Kenyan Chicken Curry

Embark on a culinary journey to Kenya with this vibrant and flavorful chicken curry! Inspired by Swahili cuisine—a fusion of East African and Middle Eastern flavors—this recipe delivers a rich, fragrant curry without overpowering heat. The chicken is marinated in a blend of aromatic spices including paprika, coriander, and turmeric, then cooked to perfection. A creamy sauce, simmered with fragrant spices and a touch of honey, complements the tender chicken beautifully. Serve over fluffy basmati rice for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. Easily adaptable to your spice preference and dietary needs – even includes a shrimp upgrade!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Course Fruit

A To Z Bread

This incredibly versatile and moist bread is a delicious way to use up leftover frozen berries! Packed with flavor and easy to customize, A to Z Berry Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Make it your own by adding your favorite mix of frozen fruits, nuts, and spices.

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Seasonal Healthy Low Fat Eggs

Abby's Pumpkin Pie Crustless Custard

Skip the crust, not the flavor! This light and low-fat pumpkin pie custard is a guilt-free indulgence. Perfect for a cozy autumn evening, this recipe is surprisingly easy and can be baked in ramekins, custard cups, or even coffee mugs! Enjoy the creamy texture and warm spices of pumpkin pie without the heavy crust.

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Picnic African

African Couscous Salad

A vibrant and refreshing African couscous salad, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. This recipe, inspired by Raley's magazine, features fluffy couscous tossed with toasted almonds, a zesty orange dressing, and your favorite fresh vegetables. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes (plus chilling time)!

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Vegetarian Vegetarian Low Saturated Fat Spicy

African Potato And Collard Green Stew

Warm up on chilly nights with this hearty African-inspired stew! A vibrant blend of sweet and white potatoes, cauliflower, nutritious collard greens, sweet raisins, and aromatic spices creates a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. Originating from the south and east of Africa, this recipe is perfect served over fluffy rice, couscous, or quinoa. A comforting and delicious culinary journey awaits!

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For Large Groups Free Of Something Cookies And Brownies Vegan

Agave Oatmeal Raisin Flax Cookies

Delightfully chewy and subtly sweet, these sugar-free Oatmeal Raisin Flax Cookies are a healthy treat the whole family will adore! Made with wholesome whole wheat flour and packed with flaxseed for extra nutrition, these vegan cookies are perfect for a guilt-free snack or a fun baking project. Learn how to make these amazing cookies – a delicious way to introduce kids to healthy eating!

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Low Protein Low Protein Low Sodium Low In Something

Altwiener Apfelstrudel Traditional Viennese Apple Strudel

Indulge in the rich, authentic flavors of Austria with this traditional Viennese Apple Strudel recipe! This delectable pastry, perfected by caterer Jennifer McGavin, features flaky layers of dough enveloping a warm, spiced apple and raisin filling. A delightful dessert, it's best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping masterpiece!

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American Comfort Food Pies Dietary

Amish Brown Sugar Pie

This Amish Brown Sugar Pie recipe is a treasured family heirloom, delivering a rich and decadent experience. Best enjoyed at room temperature, its creamy brown sugar filling is incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. The recipe yields small, perfectly portioned slices, allowing you to savor every bite of this classic pie.

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Holiday Event Comfort Food Quick Breads Preparation

Amish Friendship Nut Bread On Demand

This beloved recipe uses a time-tested Amish Friendship Starter (see recipe #64793 by Kim D). Perfected over 5 years of baking, this version is a family favorite! Learn how to easily freeze your starter for up to 6 months, ensuring you always have this delicious bread on demand. Discover the secrets to a perfectly moist and flavorful nut bread, passed down through generations. Trust the old ways – this recipe is both delicious and convenient!

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Course Fruit Low In Something Low Fat

Apple And Pear Crumble

This irresistible Apple and Pear Crumble recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Adapted from the new Vegetarian Epicure, this versatile dessert shines with its classic apple and pear combination, but easily accommodates other fruits like berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries). Using simple ingredients you likely already have, this easy dessert comes together quickly for a warm and comforting treat. Perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion, get ready to enjoy a perfectly crisp crumble topping over juicy, spiced fruit filling.

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