Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Get ready to dive into the coziest vibes because this cinnamon swirl bread is basically a hug in loaf form, combining all the right spices and sweetness to make any day feel special.

The rich aroma filling the kitchen when Cinnamon Swirl Bread is baking is hard to beat. You begin with a base of two cups of all-purpose flour; from there, things get adventurous.

A hint of sweetness from 1/3 cup of sugar takes this bread somewhere lovely. Buttermilk makes it just the right amount of moist (I think that’s actually a real word now), and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon make that perfect swirl.

Each slice, simple toasted, is somehow more than the sum of its parts.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and carbohydrates, forming the bread’s base.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in browning during baking.
• Unsalted butter: Provides moisture and a rich, creamy flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with aromatic notes.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and boosts flavor complexity; contains antioxidants.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes and adds slight tang, aiding leavening.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or softened butter.

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

3. Combine the softened butter, vanilla extract, egg, and buttermilk in a bowl. ^1 Mix until just combined.

4. In another small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

5. Put half of the batter into the loaf pan. Evenly distribute half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.

6. Spread the remaining batter evenly in the pan. On top, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar.

7. Swirl the sugar and cinnamon mixture gently through the batter with a knife to produce a marble effect.

8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan. Mix together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one by one, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla, and almond extract.

9. As the bread cools, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze.

10. Pour the glaze over the cooled bread. Cut it into slices and serve. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×5-inch loaf pan
3. Cooking spray or brush for softened butter
4. Big mixing bowl
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Whisk or spoon for mixing
7. Knife for swirling
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spatula or spoon for spreading
11. Bowl for glaze
12. Mixing utensil for glaze
13. Sifter (optional, for powdered sugar)
14. Cooling rack
15. Knife for slicing

FAQ

• Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?A: Yes, it is possible to use standard milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to imitate buttermilk.
• Q: Can this bread be frozen?A: You can freeze Cinnamon Swirl Bread for a maximum of 3 months. Before freezing, wrap the bread tightly in both plastic wrap and in aluminum foil.
• Q: Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?A: The preferred choice is unsalted butter, so you can control the salt level, but if you are using salted butter, you might want to reduce the amount of added salt.
• Q: How do I know when the bread is done?A: When a toothpick is stuck in the center of the bread and then pulled out, if it’s clean, that means the bread is done. This usually occurs 45-50 minutes after the bread is placed in a 350F oven.
• Q: Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?A: Definitely! You can scold 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or raisins into the scold before scolding in the cinnamon swirl.
• Q: How do I store the bread?To keep bread fresh, it should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored in this way, bread can last up to 3 days. After that time, it may start to dry out or become moldy.
• Q: Is the glaze necessary?A: The optional glaze is indeed just that: it’s for if you want a kind of sweet finish. You could totally leave it off. The buns will still be delicious!

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To substitute for 1/3 cup of sugar: Use 1/3 cup honey or 1/3 cup maple syrup. Remember to adjust the other liquids in the recipe accordingly.
To substitute for 3/4 cup buttermilk: Combine 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice with 3/4 cup regular milk, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. Just reduce the recipe’s salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
If you want a nondairy version, replace 3/4 cup buttermilk with 3/4 cup almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
To create it without eggs, substitute 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of plain yogurt for the egg.

Pro Tips

1. Buttermilk Substitute If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 3/4 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

2. Temperature Tips Ensure that all your ingredients (especially the egg and buttermilk) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smoother batter and better texture in your bake.

3. Swirling Technique When swirling the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter, be gentle and don’t over-swirl. Just a few gentle swirls are enough to achieve the marble effect without completely mixing in the cinnamon layer.

4. Glaze Consistency Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to get your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more milk gradually until it reaches the consistency you prefer.

5. Baking Time Check Start checking for doneness 5-10 minutes before the end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs when the bread is done.