Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and cozy, with a beautiful ribbon of cinnamon sugar baked right into the middle. When I first tried this bread, I was amazed at how simple the ingredients came together to create something that feels so decadent yet so straightforward to make in any home kitchen.

You’ll find that this bread works wonderfully for breakfast, a snack with tea, or even a comforting dessert. Plus, the glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering that warm cinnamon swirl, making it genuinely hard to resist.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe was chosen because it creates a tender, moist loaf with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Buying good quality buttermilk and fresh cinnamon really makes a difference in flavor.

• All-purpose flour: It’s the foundation for this bread’s soft crumb—try not to swap for whole wheat unless you want a denser loaf.
• Sugar: The recipe divides it to sweeten the batter and also to create that lovely cinnamon swirl inside.
• Baking soda: Helps your bread rise and gives it the perfect texture without weighing it down.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderness, plus reacts with the baking soda to create lift.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft for days—don’t skip it.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe, you’ll want to use fresh ground or good quality for the best taste.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the glaze on top that’s simple yet makes the loaf shine.
• Whole milk: Mixed with confectioners’ sugar to drizzle on finish with that perfect drizzle consistency.

Variations

I love to tweak this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe depending on the season or occasion—it’s such a flexible base that really lets you get creative without fuss.

• Add nuts or raisins: My family goes crazy for chopped walnuts or plump raisins added to the cinnamon sugar swirl; it gives a nice texture contrast and a bit of surprise.
• Whole wheat flour swap: For a heartier loaf, try replacing half of the flour with whole wheat, but expect a denser texture.
• Glaze alternatives: Sometimes I mix cream cheese into the glaze for an extra creamy finish that feels like a treat.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix can give a lovely twist that’s perfect for holidays.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. I like giving everything a quick whisk to aerate the mixture — it helps the ingredients blend evenly and gives your bread a lighter texture.

Step 2: Stir the Wet Ingredients Together

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and vegetable oil until smooth. When I first made this, I found it easier to whisk the wet ingredients before folding them into the dry—they come together beautifully with just enough moisture without overmixing.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until everything is moistened—don’t overmix here. You want a slightly lumpy batter; overworking it will make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Mix together the cinnamon and remaining sugar in a small bowl. This simple combo is what creates that gorgeous, flavorful swirl that makes this bread stand out every time I make it.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half the batter into your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar evenly on top. Then add the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Here’s the trick I learned: use a butter knife to gently cut through the batter about 3-4 times to create swirls. Don’t overdo it—you want distinct swirls, not a completely mixed swirl.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bread at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. One time, I pulled it out a little early, and it was still gooey—so definitely check toward the end to avoid any underbaked spots. After baking, cool it for 10 minutes in the pan before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze

Mix the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the completely cooled loaf. I love this finishing touch because it adds a subtle sweetness that doesn’t compete with the cinnamon swirl—it simply enhances it.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just a light drizzle of the glaze—sometimes I top it with a pat of softened butter right before serving. Occasionally, a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a nice little crunch and extra cinnamon pop that I really enjoy.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a brunch spread, I like setting out some fresh fruit or whipped cream cheese on the side—the creaminess balances the cinnamon sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve sliced the cinnamon bread and arranged it in a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin alongside jars of honey, jam, and nut butter. It makes for a colorful, inviting display that gets everyone excited to dig in. Wrapping individual slices in parchment for gifting is another cute idea I’ve tried with great feedback!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, which keeps the bread soft and fresh. If it starts to dry out a bit, a quick toast helps bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! I wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. When I want to enjoy it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm slices in the toaster or oven.

Reheating

To keep the bread moist and fresh when reheating, I recommend lightly toasting slices or warming them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Adding a little butter after reheating makes the flavors really pop and feels like a fresh bite every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe has become such a warm, comforting staple in my kitchen—there’s just something magical about that cinnamon ribbon running through tender bread. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, whether it’s brightening up your breakfast or sweetening your afternoon coffee break. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your new go-to for cozy moments and tasty gatherings alike.

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