Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe because it’s such a comforting classic with a delightful ribbon of cinnamon sugar baked right inside. Every time I slice into it, that sweet swirl surprises me, and the aroma fills the kitchen with warm, cozy vibes — perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a sweet afternoon snack with coffee.

When I first tried making this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create that bakery-style swirl without any fancy tools. You’ll find that this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is not only beautiful to serve but also incredibly forgiving, making it a wonderful choice for both beginners and seasoned bread bakers alike.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe lies in combining straightforward ingredients that create rich flavor and that irresistible cinnamon streak inside. Here’s what I always keep on hand to nail it every time.

• All-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy yet tender structure, perfect for a soft bread texture.
• Sugar: Divided to sweeten both the batter and the cinnamon swirl perfectly.
• Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and gives it a light crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the bread moist — I never skip it.
• Egg: Binds everything, enriching the batter.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and prevents it from drying out.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, giving that warm, spicy swirl we all love.
• Confectioners’ sugar and whole milk (for glaze): Add a sweet finishing touch to that golden top once it cools.

Variations

I love shaking things up a bit with this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe by adding my personal touches. Whether you want it dairy-free, loaded with nuts, or even a bit more indulgent, you can tailor it to your taste.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a delightful crunch—my family goes crazy for this version.
• Dairy-Free: I’ve swapped buttermilk with a mix of plant-based milk and a little lemon juice for the same tangy effect, making it friendly for lactose-sensitive bellies.
• Extra Cinnamon Punch: If you love cinnamon as much as I do, adding a teaspoon more to the swirl layer really amps up the flavor.
• Glaze Variations: Sometimes I swap the simple glaze for a cream cheese drizzle for an extra indulgent finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing only the bottom of your 9×5-inch loaf pan. Trust me, greasing the sides can sometimes affect how the cinnamon sugar sticks inside the bread, so this detail helps keep that perfect swirl intact while baking.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking soda, and salt together until everything’s evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg, and vegetable oil — this makes sure your batter mixes smoothly without overworking the flour.

Step 3: Combine Batter and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry just until moistened—you want a thick but pourable batter. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon—this will be your swirl sugar. This mix is what gives the bread its iconic cinnamon ribbon and that irresistible sweet-spicy hit.

Step 4: Layer and Create the Swirl

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mix on top. Pour the rest of the batter over that, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Take a butter knife and gently cut through the batter in a swirling motion to create that signature cinnamon ribbon — don’t overdo it or the layers will muddle.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your bread for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. After removing it from the oven, cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off—you don’t want the glaze melting into a puddle!

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled loaf. This simple finishing touch adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely glossy finish that makes your Cinnamon Swirl Bread even more inviting.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I enjoy serving this bread with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar to make it look bakery-fresh. Sometimes, I add a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese, especially when it’s slightly warm — it melts perfectly and tastes heavenly.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries and a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I sometimes serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait — it balances sweet and savory nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve sliced this bread into thick pieces and stacked them with layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit to create an easy bread trifle. I’ve also turned slices into French toast — the cinnamon swirl makes the flavor pop!

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 stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days. I’ve found that storing at room temp keeps the crust from becoming too soft.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, I slice the bread and freeze the slices individually wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully and thaws quickly for a fresh taste anytime you want.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop slices in the toaster or warm them briefly in the oven at 325°F until the edges are crisp and the inside is soft again. This revives that freshly baked feeling and brings out the cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to treats whenever I want something that feels special but still comforting and simple. It’s versatile, lovely to share, and invites all kinds of creative tweaks. Honestly, I can’t recommend making this enough — once you do, you’ll want to keep it in your baking rotation like I do. So grab your ingredients, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet swirls of cinnamon that make every bite a little moment of joy.

Print