If you’re a fan of rich, fragrant cinnamon and soft, moist bread, then you’re in for a treat. This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe is an easy-to-make delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet gift for loved ones, this recipe will definitely make an impression. And the best part? It’s a “quick bread,” which means there’s no need for yeast or rising time—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
As a professional chef, I’m excited to walk you through this simple yet delicious recipe. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful loaf of cinnamon bread that’ll fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon. Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread
The Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and fluffy. It combines a tender, buttery bread base with a rich swirl of cinnamon and sugar throughout. The flavor is warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect snack, breakfast item, or even a dessert treat.
This quick bread is also a great beginner-friendly recipe, perfect for anyone who may be new to baking. There’s no need to wait for the dough to rise, and you don’t need a stand mixer—just a few bowls and a spatula will get the job done!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this easy cinnamon swirl bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This will form the base of your bread. For best results, use standard all-purpose flour. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute up to half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This is what makes the bread rise and gives it that fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: This balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread and creates a slight caramelization on the crust.
- 1/2 cup milk: This helps to moisten the dough and gives the bread a soft crumb.
- 2 large eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and give the bread structure and moisture.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: This adds richness and flavor to the bread, making it tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread and complements the cinnamon perfectly.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramelized flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: This is the star of the show! Use ground cinnamon for that warm, sweet spice.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: This helps to create the perfect consistency for the swirl and adds richness to the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cinnamon swirl bread:
1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. For an extra touch, you can lightly dust the pan with flour, which will help prevent the bread from sticking.
2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of sugar. These dry ingredients need to be well combined so that the leavening agents and sugar are evenly distributed.
3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. These ingredients should be mixed thoroughly until smooth. The wet ingredients help hydrate the dry ingredients and form the batter.
4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gently add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir carefully with a spatula or spoon, making sure to mix until there are no dry pockets of flour. However, be careful not to overmix; this can result in a dense loaf. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until it forms a smooth, thick paste. This will be the cinnamon filling that gives the bread its signature swirl.
6: Layer and Swirl the Cinnamon Filling
Spoon half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Then, drizzle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
7: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean (with a few crumbs, not batter), the bread is ready.
If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the loaf and continue baking until done.
8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and allows the flavors to settle.
Slice the bread once it’s completely cooled, and serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the cozy, cinnamon-filled goodness!
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs, milk, and butter will help the ingredients mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined. Overmixing will make the bread dense.
- Add Extra Texture: For added crunch, try incorporating some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon swirl.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the bread to cool slightly before slicing helps the flavor to develop and prevents it from falling apart.
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Swirl Bread
If you manage to have any leftover (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store it:
- At Room Temperature: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. The bread will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just pop a slice in the microwave or toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I substitute almond milk for regular milk? A: Yes, you can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety to avoid altering the flavor of the bread.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter? A: While you can use margarine in place of butter, I recommend using butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine tends to have more water content, which can affect the bread’s consistency.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes! If you want to make two loaves, simply double the ingredients and divide the batter evenly between two loaf pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need an extra 5-10 minutes.
Q: How do I make sure the cinnamon swirl is evenly distributed? A: The key to a beautiful cinnamon swirl is layering the batter and cinnamon mixture. Use a knife to swirl gently—avoid overdoing it so that you maintain distinct layers of cinnamon and batter.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is a deliciously sweet and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple recipe that produces a flavorful loaf with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this quick bread will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
Baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm, cinnamon-scented slice that will make your home feel cozy and inviting. Happy baking!