Name: Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup brown sugar

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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon swirl bread baking in the oven. Imagine warm swirls of cinnamon and sugar enveloped in soft, pillowy bread, making your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. Each slice is a fluffy hug for your taste buds, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon snack.

I remember the first time I made cinnamon swirl bread. My family gathered around the kitchen, eyes wide with anticipation, as the scent wafted through our home. That delightful moment when we tore into the warm loaf, slathering butter on each slice—pure bliss! It’s become a staple at family gatherings, bringing smiles and happy memories to every occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon swirl bread is incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers
The flavor profile is out of this world; you’ll enjoy sweet and spicy notes in every bite
Visually, it’s stunning with its beautiful swirls and golden-brown crust
Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed fresh or toasted with your favorite spread

It’s been said that sharing food brings people together. I recall one Sunday morning when my cousin dropped by unexpectedly. With cinnamon swirl bread fresh out of the oven, his eyes lit up as he took his first bite. “This is what happiness tastes like!” he exclaimed.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: A sturdy base for our bread; use unbleached for a more natural flavor and texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; adjust based on your personal taste preferences.
Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
Salt: Balances flavors; don’t skip it or you’ll miss out on those rich notes.
Milk: Use whole milk for richness; alternatives work too but may alter texture slightly.
Butter: Melted and unsalted; gives the bread a lovely richness and moistness.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Use fresh ground for an intense flavor punch.
Brown Sugar: For that glorious caramelized sweetness in the swirl.
Eggs: Provides structure and moisture; use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. This mixture should look as fluffy as a cloud ready to rain down deliciousness!

Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add melted butter, milk, and eggs. Mix gently until just combined—over-mixing will lead to dense bread instead of delightful fluffiness.

Create the Cinnamon Swirl Filling: In another bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture should smell heavenly! Set it aside while you prepare to roll out that dough like a culinary Picasso.

Roll Out Your Dough: On a floured surface, gently knead the dough until smooth—about 5-7 minutes should do it. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick; don’t worry about perfection here—think rustic charm!

Add Filling & Shape Your Loaf: Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled dough. Starting from one edge, carefully roll it up into a log shape—like rolling up your favorite sleeping bag after camping! Pinch the seams to seal everything in.

Bake & Enjoy!: Place your rolled loaf seam-side down in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for about 30 minutes—time to daydream about how amazing this will taste hot out of the oven! Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before slicing (if you can resist).

Enjoy this delightful cinnamon swirl bread warm from the oven or toasted with butter—it’s perfect any way you slice it!

You Must Know

This delightful cinnamon swirl bread is not just a visual masterpiece, but it also fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and sugar
The fluffy texture paired with the sweet swirls makes every bite feel like a hug on a plate
Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s a treat everyone will love

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the ultimate cinnamon swirl bread, start by preparing your dough and letting it rise until doubled in size. While it’s rising, mix your filling to ensure even flavor distribution when you roll it up.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts or dried fruits to the cinnamon filling for added texture. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for an unexpected twist that will surprise your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover cinnamon swirl bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in resealable bags, reheating slices in a toaster or oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure your dough rises in a warm environment to help it double in size efficiently
Avoid over-kneading the dough; just mix until smooth for light, fluffy results
Keep your filling evenly spread to avoid clumps of sweetness in one spot

Sharing this cinnamon swirl bread recipe reminds me of the time I baked it for my friends’ brunch. The moment they walked into my kitchen, their eyes lit up as they inhaled the delicious aroma wafting through the air!

FAQs

FAQ

How long does cinnamon swirl bread take to rise?

Typically, the dough needs about 1-1.5 hours to rise until it has doubled in size. Warmer environments can speed this process up a bit, so keep that in mind while waiting.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Using whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to your cinnamon swirl bread, but consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose for better texture.

What’s the best way to serve cinnamon swirl bread?

This bread is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with butter or cream cheese spread on warm slices. A drizzle of icing on top also elevates its sweetness!