Name: Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 31 reviews

If you adore cozy breakfasts and the sweet aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen, then this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine a tender vanilla quick bread with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl running through every bite—moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. This bread is simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to impress guests at brunch. I can’t wait to walk you through making it happen from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface in small clear and white bowls and plates. There are six brown eggs in a white tray positioned at the top left. Next to it is a small clear bowl with white granulated sugar, and a large clear bowl filled with white flour is at the top right. Below the eggs is a small white bowl with a golden liquid, likely honey, and to its right is a white jug with milk. Next to the milk jug is a small white bowl with white sugar, and on the right side, a small white bowl holds several pieces of pale yellow butter. Moving towards the bottom left, a clear bowl contains beige granulated sugar, and above it is a small clear bowl with light brown dry yeast. To the right of the light brown yeast is a clear bowl filled with a fine brown powder, likely cinnamon. Underneath this is a bowl with white cubed butter or cream cheese. Toward the bottom center, there is a larger white bowl with cubed pale yellow butter, and nearby is a small clear bowl with a pale yellow solid, possibly butter. The bottom right has a clear bowl filled with white powdered sugar and a small gold spoon with a dark liquid, possibly vanilla extract, resting next to it. The bowls and plates are spaced evenly, creating an organized and clean look, all placed on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component has a key role that comes together to create that tender texture, sweet vanilla undertone, and satisfying cinnamon ribbon that makes this bread irresistible.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure while keeping the bread soft and tender.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Your rising agent for that perfect lightness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances depth and balances sweetness perfectly.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness while helping create a lovely crust.
1 cup milk: Moisturizes the batter, yielding an incredibly tender crumb.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together with richness and boost the bread’s fluffiness.
1/3 cup melted butter: Incorporates buttery flavor and luscious moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings in warmth and aromatic sweetness for that classic vanilla touch.
1/3 cup brown sugar (for swirl): Gives the cinnamon swirl a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl): Packs all the signature spice punch that defines the swirl.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan thoroughly to ensure your bread comes out without a hitch. This prep step sets the stage so everything bakes evenly with a golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your quick bread and help distribute sweetness and rising agents evenly.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This liquid mixture adds moisture and flavor, promising that soft, tender crumb in every slice.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this preserves the bread’s delicate texture by avoiding too much gluten development.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon swirl layer evenly by mixing the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together and scattering it over the batter. Finally, add the remaining batter on top.

Step 6: Swirl the Batter

Take a butter knife and gently swirl the batter and cinnamon sugar together in the pan. This creates the signature cinnamon ribbons that bring this bread to life with every slice.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside continues baking.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a dollop of softened butter, can elevate your Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe to next-level indulgence. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples complement its warm spices beautifully and add a fresh contrast.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting morning combo. Serve alongside scrambled eggs or creamy yogurt for a well-rounded breakfast that feels both cozy and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try transforming your Cinnamon Swirl Bread into cinnamon French toast or use thick slices for an unforgettable bread pudding. You could even toast individual slices and top them with mascarpone and honey for an elegant dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps retain moisture and softness, so it feels just baked when you bite in again.

Freezing

If you want to save your Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe for later, slice it first and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can easily grab a slice or two any time within one to two months.

Reheating

For the best flavor, thaw frozen slices at room temperature and warm them briefly in a toaster or oven. This refreshes the texture and revives that delightful cinnamon aroma, making it taste freshly made all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk work perfectly to keep this Cinnamon Swirl Bread moist without compromising flavor or texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can create a lovely gluten-free version that still delivers on tenderness and taste.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this bread?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add delightful texture and pops of flavor to the loaf. Just fold them into the batter before layering in the cinnamon sugar swirl.

What’s the best way to check if the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Can I double the recipe for two loaves?

Yes, doubling all ingredients and dividing the batter into two greased loaf pans works great. Just keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly with more batter.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to gather around. It’s easy to make, deliciously fragrant, and perfect for sharing or savoring slowly with your favorite drink. I hope you give this recipe a whirl—you deserve a little slice of sweet comfort any day of the week!