Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Easy Homemade Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cups all-purpose flour; – 1 cup sugar; – 2 teaspoons baking powder; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1 cup milk; – 1/3 cup vegetable oil; – 2 large eggs; – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1/2 cup brown sugar; – 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

By:

Josie Baker

Published:

January 31, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bread

If you’re searching for a comforting treat that fills your home with incredible aromas, this cinnamon swirl bread is the perfect choice. Here’s why this recipe has become a favorite for so many home bakers:

Ease of preparation: Unlike traditional yeast breads that require hours of rising time, this quick bread version comes together in minutes. You don’t need any special equipment or advanced baking skills to create bakery-quality results at home. From mixing bowl to oven, you’ll have this bread ready in under 15 minutes of prep time.
Health benefits: This recipe can easily be customized to suit various dietary needs while still providing the comfort and satisfaction of homemade bread. By making simple substitutions, you can increase fiber content, reduce processed sugars, or eliminate common allergens without sacrificing taste or texture.
Versatility: This cinnamon bread recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary preferences and occasions. Whether you need a gluten-free version for sensitive guests, a lower-sugar option for health-conscious family members, or a vegan alternative for plant-based eaters, this recipe delivers consistent results every time.
Distinctive flavor: The perfect balance of sweet cinnamon swirl and tender, moist bread creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Each slice offers a beautiful marbled appearance and a taste that’s comforting yet special enough for serving to company or enjoying as a personal treat.

Nutritional Information per Slice
Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	4g
Fat	8g
Fiber	1g

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this quick cinnamon bread recipe offers the perfect combination of simplicity and impressive results.

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Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Bread

The beauty of this cinnamon bread lies in its straightforward ingredient list, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a specific role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile.

Main Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for the bread, providing structure and substance
1 cup sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking
2 teaspoons baking powder – Leavening agent that helps the bread rise without yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness
1 cup milk – Provides moisture and creates a tender crumb texture
1/3 cup vegetable oil – Adds richness and keeps the bread moist
2 large eggs – Helps bind ingredients and provides structure
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/2 cup brown sugar – Creates a sweet, molasses-like flavor and helps form the swirl pattern
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Provides the distinctive cinnamon flavor that defines this bread

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Substitute plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk), replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use coconut oil or melted vegan butter instead of vegetable oil

Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for optimal texture

Low-calorie: Reduce sugar by half, use unsweetened applesauce in place of half the oil, and use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk

Pro Tip: For the best results, measure your flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife rather than scooping directly, which can pack the flour and lead to dense bread.

How to Prepare the Perfect Cinnamon Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a beautiful cinnamon swirl bread is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed instructions for consistent, bakery-quality results every time.

Preparation and Mixing

First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray. If you prefer, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. This preparation ensures your bread won’t stick and will bake evenly throughout.

Second Step: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure all ingredients are well combined to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasonings throughout the bread.

Third Step: In a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs lightly, then add 1 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well blended. The mixture should be smooth and consistent in color with no visible streaks of egg.

Fourth Step: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and slowly pour in the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough, dense bread. The batter should be thick but pourable, with small lumps still visible.

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl

Fifth Step: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for the swirl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This mixture will create the beautiful cinnamon swirl that gives this bread its name and distinctive appearance.

Sixth Step: Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.

Seventh Step: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, indicating it’s nearly done.

Finishing and Serving

Final Step: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. Once cool, slice and enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon swirl bread plain, toasted, or with your favorite spread.

While homemade bread offers unbeatable freshness and flavor, there are times when you might want to compare it to store-bought cinnamon swirl bread options available in your local supermarket. This comparison can help you appreciate the quality ingredients and customization possibilities of making your own.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cinnamon Bread

One of the wonderful aspects of this cinnamon bread recipe is its adaptability to various dietary needs and preferences. These substitutions allow everyone to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade cinnamon bread.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

If you’re looking to modify the protein content or main components of your cinnamon bread, several excellent options are available. For those seeking to increase protein, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

For egg-free options, flax eggs (made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) work exceptionally well as a binder. Alternatively, you can use commercial egg replacers or simply use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg. These substitutions will slightly alter the texture but will still result in a delicious bread with plenty of moisture.

Those avoiding dairy can easily substitute the milk with any plant-based alternative, including oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. For the vegetable oil, melted coconut oil adds a lovely subtle flavor, while light olive oil can provide additional health benefits without affecting the taste profile significantly.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

To add more nutrition or cater to specific taste preferences, consider incorporating vegetables into your cinnamon bread. Grated carrots, zucchini, or even pumpkin puree can be added to the batter, increasing moisture content and nutritional value. These additions work particularly well with cinnamon and can make the bread more filling and satisfying while reducing the overall sugar content needed for sweetness.

For sauce variations, consider replacing the milk with coconut milk for a richer flavor and dairy-free option. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice or yogurt to create a tangier profile that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon swirl. These small adjustments can completely transform the taste experience while maintaining the fundamental appeal of cinnamon bread.

Seasoning modifications can also transform your bread entirely. While cinnamon is the star, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the swirl mixture for a more complex flavor profile. A small amount of ginger can add warmth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. For those who enjoy a little heat, a tiny amount of cayenne pepper can create an unexpected but delicious contrast to the sweet cinnamon, making this bread truly memorable.

Mastering Cinnamon Bread: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic cinnamon bread recipe, these advanced techniques and creative variations will help you elevate your baking to new heights while keeping the process simple and enjoyable.

Pro Cooking Techniques

For the perfect cinnamon swirl without compromising the bread’s structure, try layering your batter and cinnamon sugar mixture rather than swirling vigorously. This creates distinct layers that look impressive when sliced. Simply pour a layer of batter, add all the cinnamon sugar, then top with remaining batter. The result will be a beautiful middle layer of cinnamon goodness rather than an indistinct swirl.

Another professional technique is to slightly underbake the bread and let it finish cooking while cooling in the pan, which helps retain moisture and prevents a dry crumb. The residual heat continues to cook the bread gently, resulting in a more tender texture. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs rather than completely clean.

For the best rise, make sure your baking powder is fresh and all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can slow the activation of baking powder, resulting in a denser loaf. Sifting the dry ingredients together helps aerate the flour, resulting in a lighter texture. Finally, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as temperature fluctuations can cause the bread to fall in the center.

Flavor Variations

Beyond the classic cinnamon swirl, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch and protein. Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates can be incorporated into the batter for bursts of sweetness and texture. For a chocolate twist, replace some of the cinnamon with cocoa powder in the swirl mixture to create a mocha-cinnamon flavor combination.

For a more indulgent treat, try adding a cream cheese glaze once the bread has cooled completely. Simply mix powdered sugar with a little milk, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese until smooth, then drizzle over the bread. You can also add a streusel topping by combining flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon and sprinkling it over the batter before baking for a crispy, sweet crust.

Presentation and Make-Ahead Options

To create a professional-looking loaf, slash the top of the batter diagonally with a sharp knife before baking. This not only looks attractive but also helps the bread expand evenly during baking, preventing unsightly cracks. For gift-giving, wrap the cooled bread in parchment paper and tie with baker’s twine or a ribbon for a charming presentation.

This bread freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare multiple loaves at once and freeze them for up to three months. For convenience, slice the bread before freezing and separate the slices with parchment paper, allowing you to thaw just what you need. Another time-saving option is to mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them just before baking for fresh bread with minimal morning effort.

How to Store Cinnamon Bread: Best Practices

Proper storage ensures your cinnamon bread maintains its delicious taste and texture for as long as possible. Follow these guidelines to enjoy your homemade bread at its best.

Refrigeration

For short-term storage, cinnamon bread can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days. Place the container in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, refrigeration is recommended to prevent mold growth and maintain freshness. In the refrigerator, the bread will stay fresh for up to a week, though the texture may become slightly denser.

Freezing

For long-term storage, cinnamon bread freezes exceptionally well with minimal loss of quality. Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or wrap it in aluminum foil. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. For individual portions, pre-slice the bread before freezing and separate slices with parchment paper for easy thawing. Label your packages with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen cinnamon bread, thaw it overnight at room temperature in its packaging or use the defrost setting on your microwave. For freshly baked taste, wrap individual slices in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also lightly toast slices for a crispy exterior with a warm, soft interior. If reheating from room temperature, a quick 10-20 second burst in the microwave will soften the bread without making it soggy.

Meal Prep Considerations

When preparing this bread for meal prep, consider making smaller loaves or muffins for portion control. These can be frozen individually and quickly grabbed for busy mornings. Pre-portion the bread into sandwich bags for easy lunchbox additions, or prepare a batch of french toast casserole using slices of cinnamon bread for a make-ahead breakfast option. The bread also makes excellent bread pudding when slightly stale, reducing food waste while creating a delicious dessert.

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Easy Homemade Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bread