Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe because it combines that perfect balance between a tender, slightly sweet bread and a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl that runs right through the center. Every time I slice into it, that beautiful spiral practically invites you to take a bite, and trust me—you’ll want to! It’s the kind of homemade treat that feels cozy and special, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a casual dessert.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how it didn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps, yet it delivered such a stunning and tasty result. You’ll find that whipping it up is straightforward, making it an ideal bake whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon which is an instant mood lifter. This Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe truly hits the sweet spot between simplicity and irresistible flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe are straightforward, but each one plays a key role in getting that perfect texture and flavor. Make sure you have fresh buttermilk for that subtle tang and moisture, and don’t skip the cinnamon sugar swirl—it’s the star of the show!

• All-purpose flour: A good base that creates a soft yet sturdy crumb—avoid flour with added leavening.
• Sugar: Divided into two parts—one mixed in the batter for sweetness, the other combined with cinnamon for the swirl.
• Baking soda: Works with buttermilk to give the bread a nice lift and crumb.
• Salt: Enhances flavor—don’t skip it even in sweet breads!
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, which balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Egg: Helps bind and provides richness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without heaviness.
• Ground cinnamon: The key spice for that warm, comforting cinnamon flavor.
• Confectioners’ sugar and milk (for glaze): Creates a simple, sweet drizzle that adds a lovely sheen and extra sweet touch.

Variations

I love to tweak this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. It’s so fun to make it your own with just a few small swaps or add-ins—so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite version.

• Using brown sugar instead of white sugar: I swapped it once and loved the deeper molasses flavor it adds to the cinnamon swirl.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans stirred into the cinnamon sugar swirl give a nice crunch and texture contrast.
• Swap buttermilk for yogurt: If you’re out of buttermilk, plain yogurt thinned with a little milk works great too.
• Add raisins or dried cranberries: I sprinkle these on top of the cinnamon sugar layer for a sweet, chewy surprise.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always grease just the bottom of my 9×5-inch loaf pan, not the sides, because this bread releases better that way without sticking but still develops a nice crust on all sides. While the oven warms up, you’ll be ready to mix your ingredients without any delay.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking soda, and salt. I like to take a moment here to make sure everything’s evenly combined, so your bread bakes evenly and has that nice, uniform texture we all want.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Make the Batter

In another bowl, beat the buttermilk, egg, and vegetable oil together until smooth. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Be careful not to overmix here—lumps are okay! That’s a little trick I learned: overmixing can make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This cinnamon sugar is what gives the bread its signature swirl, so make sure to get it well combined.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar evenly over the top. Next, add the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Using a knife, gently cut through the batter vertically and swirl a few times—you want the cinnamon sugar to weave through without mixing it completely. I find this step really makes the bread look as good as it tastes!

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When I bake this bread, I check around 45 minutes because overbaking can dry it out, and nobody wants that! Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Mix confectioners’ sugar with enough milk (start with 1 1/2 teaspoons) to make a drizzle-able glaze. Pour this over the cooled loaf for a gorgeous finish. I love this sweet touch because it adds a little shine and extra flavor without being too sugary. Let the glaze set a few minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and serve the bread warm with a pat of butter or a thin spread of cream cheese. Sometimes, if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll add a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of glaze. Fresh berries on the side also add a nice pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, or yogurt parfaits for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve sliced the bread into bite-sized cubes and served it as part of a breakfast charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, nuts, and honey. It also makes a beautiful french toast when dipped and cooked—my family goes crazy for that twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Cinnamon Swirl Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It usually keeps well for 2-3 days, staying soft and moist. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigeration works but can dry it slightly, so warming before serving helps.

Freezing

I love freezing slices individually wrapped in parchment and foil. This way, you can pull out exactly what you need without thawing the entire loaf. The bread thaws quickly at room temp in about 30 minutes or can be popped straight into the toaster.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, I gently toast slices or warm them wrapped in foil in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving for 15-20 seconds works, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both simple and wonderfully satisfying—a little slice of warmth and comfort in every bite. I encourage you to try it out whether you’re baking for your family or a cozy weekend treat for yourself. Once you’ve made this bread, it’s hard not to keep coming back for more, and honestly, I think you’re going to love it just as much as I do.

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