Quick and Easy Cinnamon Bread: Homemade Swirl Loaf Anyone Can Bake

The Best Homemade Cinnamon Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread wafting through your home on a lazy weekend morning. This delightful recipe delivers a moist, tender loaf with perfect swirls of cinnamon sugar in every slice – ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or anytime you need a comforting sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• No yeast required – This quick bread version skips the rising time
• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have
• Perfect texture – Moist interior with a slightly crunchy crust
• Make ahead friendly – Actually tastes better the next day!
• Freezes beautifully – Great for batch baking

Key Information

Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Bread

For the Bread Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Cinnamon Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add milk, oil, and vanilla, then whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are fine.
5. In a small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon for the swirl.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about ⅔ of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
7. Drizzle the melted butter over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
8. Add the remaining batter on top, spreading gently to cover the cinnamon layer.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
10. Using a knife or skewer, swirl through the batter a few times to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix or you’ll lose the distinct swirls.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
12. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. If adding the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.

Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Bread

• Room temperature ingredients will blend more easily and create a more uniform texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter or your bread will become dense and tough rather than light and tender.
• For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter or a touch of cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Want more texture? Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar layer.
• For a more defined swirl, you can gently run a knife through the batter in an “S” pattern rather than stirring randomly.
• Test for doneness carefully – a toothpick inserted in a cinnamon swirl will come out looking wet even when the bread is done.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This cinnamon bread actually improves in flavor overnight, making it perfect for make-ahead breakfast or brunch plans!

• Counter storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for extended freshness.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Cinnamon Bread

• Classic breakfast: Toast a slice and spread with butter or cream cheese
• Indulgent dessert: Use thick slices to make French toast topped with maple syrup
• Sweet snack: Enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee or tea
• Breakfast upgrade: Layer thin slices with yogurt and fresh fruit for a breakfast parfait
• Holiday gift: Bake mini loaves to give as homemade gifts during the holiday season

Why Homemade Cinnamon Bread Beats Store-Bought Every Time

Making your own cinnamon bread at home allows you to control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness to your taste, and enjoy that incomparable freshly-baked flavor. Plus, nothing beats the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes!

This easy cinnamon bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast, weekend brunch, or simply keeping it on hand for quick snacking, this loaf is sure to become a family favorite. The beautiful swirls of cinnamon sugar make each slice a visual treat, while the moist, tender crumb keeps everyone coming back for more.