Ah, the simple joy of baking cinnamon swirl bread! There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen, especially when I’m able to share it with Basil. I’m Clara, and I’m so excited to share this incredibly easy and delicious cinnamon swirl bread recipe with you! It’s the perfect treat for busy families, and I promise, you’ll feel like a star baker when you pull this beauty out of the oven. From start to finish, including prep, bake, and cool time, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let’s get baking!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Bread
This recipe isn’t just another bread recipe; it’s a ticket to creating a moment of pure joy in your home for morning breakfasts and brunches. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:
- Simple ingredients that are probably already waiting in your pantry.
- It’s quick to prepare, perfect even on a busy weeknight when you need a little comfort.
- You’ll get a soft, moist, and perfectly sweet cinnamon swirl bread, every single time.
- It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making it an all-around winner in my book.
Ingredients for the Best Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup (160ml) whole milk, at room temperature*
- 1/3 cup (75g/80ml) vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup (80g) full-fat sour cream (or plain yogurt/Greek yogurt), at room temperature*
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- optional: vanilla icing
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fragrant cinnamon swirl bread in no time.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, milk, oil, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then whisk just until combined. Avoid over-mixing. The batter should be thick and creamy.
- Pour/spread about half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle almost all of the cinnamon-sugar evenly on top (reserve about 2 Tablespoons for topping). It s a very thick layer of cinnamon-sugar. Carefully pour/spread the remaining batter evenly on top. The top layer of batter will try to stick to the cinnamon-sugar filling, making spreading a little more difficult, but use a spoon to carefully spread it out as best as you can. Sprinkle the remaining 2 Tablespoons of cinnamon-sugar on top. Using a knife, make a large swirl down the loaf pan, as shown in the video tutorial. Avoid over-swirling, which will mix the layers together too much.
- Bake the bread for 50–65 minutes, tenting loosely with foil about halfway through to prevent the top from over-browning. Bread baked in an 8×4-inch pan takes closer to 65 minutes. Poke the center of the bread with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan set on a cooling rack for 1 hour. After that, remove the bread from the pan and let it finish cooling directly on the rack.
- Drizzle with icing, if using. Slice and serve for a perfect melt-in-your-mouth treat. Cover and store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Clara’s Top Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Bread
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that can really elevate your cinnamon swirl bread and other festive cinnamon treats. These tips will help you bake like a pro!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature milk, sour cream, and eggs is crucial! Why? Because it helps everything emulsify properly, leading to a smooth and consistent batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much. This can result in a tough, dense bread. Mix just until everything is combined, and you’ll be golden.
- Tent with Foil: If you notice the top of your bread browning too quickly, tenting it loosely with foil will save the day! It prevents the top from burning, ensuring the inside cooks through perfectly.
Troubleshooting Your Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Even the best bakers run into snags sometimes, but don’t worry, I’m here to help you troubleshoot any issues!
- Gaps in Swirl: To prevent gaps in your cinnamon swirl, make sure you’re evenly distributing the cinnamon-sugar filling. Avoid over-swirling the batter, which can mix the layers together too much and create those unwanted gaps.
- Bread Not Rising: If your bread isn’t rising, it could be due to expired baking soda. Make sure yours is fresh! Also, a too-cold environment can hinder the rising process. Keep the bread in a warm place while it rises.
- Bread Sinking: If your bread sinks in the middle, it might be underbaked. Make sure to bake it until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Too much liquid in the batter can also cause sinking.
Baking Pan Options for Cinnamon Swirl Bread
The size of your baking pan can definitely impact the baking time and overall shape of your cinnamon swirl bread. A 9×5-inch pan will yield a taller loaf, while an 8×4-inch pan will result in a shorter, denser loaf. If you’re using an 8×4-inch pan, keep in mind that it may take closer to 65 minutes to bake. Always check for doneness using the toothpick test!
Yeast Types Explained
Let’s clear up a common confusion: baking soda vs. baking powder. This recipe calls for baking soda, which is a leavening agent that requires an acidic ingredient (in this case, sour cream) to activate. Baking powder, on the other hand, already contains an acid. Because this recipe relies on the reaction between baking soda and sour cream for its rise, you can’t substitute baking powder without altering the recipe.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Why Each Ingredient Matters
Ever wonder why we use specific ingredients in baking? Here’s a closer look at the role each one plays in our cinnamon swirl bread:
- All-Purpose Flour: The protein content in all-purpose flour affects the bread’s texture. It provides structure, but too much protein can make the bread tough. That’s why we measure it carefully and avoid overmixing.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is our leavening agent. It reacts with the sour cream to produce carbon dioxide, which helps the bread rise.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream not only adds moisture to the bread, but it also contributes a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar filling.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread Variations to Try
Ready to get creative? Here are some fun variations you can try to customize your cinnamon swirl bread:
Filling Variations:
| Filling | Description |
|---|---|
| Nutella | Spread a thin layer of Nutella instead of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. |
| Apple Pie Filling | Use a store-bought or homemade apple pie filling for a fall-inspired treat. |
| Cream Cheese | Swirl in a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. |
Topping Variations:
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Icing | A simple powdered sugar and milk icing. |
| Glaze | A thin, shiny glaze made with melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. |
| Streusel | A crumbly topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. |
How to Store Your Cinnamon Swirl Bread
To keep your cinnamon swirl bread fresh and delicious, here’s how to store it:
- Room Temperature: Cover the bread tightly and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, wrap the bread well and refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
Easy Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A Simple Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, milk, oil, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then whisk just until combined. Avoid over-mixing. The batter should be thick and creamy.
- Pour/spread about half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle almost all of the cinnamon-sugar evenly on top (reserve about 2 Tablespoons for topping). It s a very thick layer of cinnamon-sugar. Carefully pour/spread the remaining batter evenly on top. The top layer of batter will try to stick to the cinnamon-sugar filling, making spreading a little more difficult, but use a spoon to carefully spread it out as best as you can. Sprinkle the remaining 2 Tablespoons of cinnamon-sugar on top. Using a knife, make a large swirl down the loaf pan, as shown in the video tutorial. Avoid over-swirling, which will mix the layers together too much.
- Bake the bread for 50–65 minutes, tenting loosely with foil about halfway through to prevent the top from over-browning. Bread baked in an 8×4-inch pan takes closer to 65 minutes. Poke the center of the bread with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan set on a cooling rack for 1 hour. After that, remove the bread from the pan and let it finish cooling directly on the rack.
- Drizzle with icing, if using. Slice and serve. Cover and store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep cinnamon swirl bread from being dry?
Make sure to use enough moisture in the batter (like sour cream and oil), and don’t overbake it.
What is the best flour to use for cinnamon swirl bread?
All-purpose flour works great for this recipe, providing the right balance of structure and tenderness.
How do you make cinnamon swirl bread rise?
Use fresh baking soda and ensure the batter is not too thick. A warm environment also helps with rising.
Can you freeze cinnamon swirl bread?
Yes, you can! Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thaw completely before enjoying.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friend! A simple, yet incredibly delicious cinnamon swirl bread recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope the comforting aroma fills your home and brings joy to your loved ones. Now, I want to hear from you! What variations are you excited to try? Have you already made this recipe? Share your results and photos in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy baking!
