Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A Delightfully Sweet and Moist Loaf

By Olivia

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the perfect treat for anyone who loves a sweet, spiced loaf. With its tender, moist texture and the delicious swirl of cinnamon and sugar, it’s the ideal choice for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s easy to make, and the combination of cinnamon and sugar will have your kitchen smelling amazing as it bakes. This quick recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Quick Benefits

Quick and easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this bread is fast to make and perfect for busy mornings.
Moist and flavorful: The batter is incredibly moist, and the cinnamon swirl adds a delicious burst of flavor with every bite.
Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, spread with butter, or pair it with your morning coffee or tea.
Affordable: Made with simple pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Essential Ingredients

White Sugar: Used in both the batter and the cinnamon-sugar swirl for sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Gives the bread its signature spicy sweetness and warmth.
All-purpose Flour: The base for the batter, providing structure to the bread.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness of the bread and balances the flavors.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides moisture.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb.

Preparation Steps

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare the cinnamon-sugar swirl: In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and oil.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened (do not overmix).
Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add the rest of the batter, followed by the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Marble the batter: Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter to create a marble effect.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. For best results, wrap it in foil and let it sit overnight before slicing.

Health Benefits

Although this cinnamon swirl bread is a treat, it does have some benefits:

Moderate calories: With only 233 calories per slice, it’s a reasonably indulgent option when you’re craving something sweet.
Good source of calcium: The milk in the recipe provides a small amount of calcium, which is important for bone health.
Satisfying: With its combination of sugars and healthy fats from the oil, this bread provides a satisfying treat that pairs well with a hot drink.

Serving Suggestions

For breakfast: Serve a warm slice with a cup of coffee or tea to start your day.
With butter: Spread a bit of butter on a warm slice for a rich, comforting snack.
As dessert: Enjoy a slice as a sweet ending to your meal, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
With fruit: Pair with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for a balance of sweetness.

Creative Variations

Add nuts: For a bit of crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
Use brown sugar: Substitute the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Make it frosted: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness.
Add raisins: Incorporate raisins into the batter for added texture and sweetness.
Spiced variations: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create your own signature flavor.

Storage Tips

Room temperature: Once cooled, the bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.
Keep it moist: To keep the bread moist, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. If storing for more than a day, consider refrigerating it.

Pro Tips

Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just moistened. Overmixing can result in a dense bread.
Check doneness with a toothpick: Make sure to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread to check for doneness. It should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
Rest overnight: Letting the bread sit wrapped in foil overnight allows the flavors to develop and results in a better texture.
Double the recipe: If you want more loaves to share, simply double the recipe and bake in two separate pans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend you use contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.

Q: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
A: Yes, almond milk or other non-dairy milk options can be used in place of regular milk to make the recipe dairy-free.

Q: Can I add more cinnamon?
A: Absolutely! If you love cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount in the batter or the cinnamon-sugar swirl to enhance the flavor.

Q: Can I freeze the bread?
A: Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, this bread is great for making ahead. Allow it to cool, wrap it in foil, and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.

Enjoy this moist, sweet cinnamon swirl bread with family and friends for any occasion! Whether it’s breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.