Name: Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 teaspoon baking soda.; 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.; 1 cup granulated sugar.; 2 large eggs, room temperature.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature.; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar.; 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon.

A close-up view of sliced cinnamon roll bread, showcasing its swirled layers and glazed topping. | tastyblom.com

I bake this cinnamon swirl bread at least twice a month and somehow it disappears within days. That thick ribbon of cinnamon sugar running through the middle makes every slice pure comfort food heaven. It reminds me of those cozy Sunday mornings at my grandma's house when the whole kitchen smelled like warm cinnamon rolls. Lately I've been slicing it while it's still slightly warm and watching a pat of butter slowly melt into all those sweet cinnamon swirls. Pure bliss doesn't even begin to describe it.

The Magic in Every Slice

My kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma when this bread bakes. It's like a warm hug on a cold morning. You'll love how simple it is to make I usually whip it up while my morning coffee brews. Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe even my mother in law and trust me that's saying something. Sometimes I toss in chopped pecans or a handful of plump raisins. When I'm feeling fancy I drizzle cream cheese glaze over the top.

What You'll Need in Your Kitchen

All-Purpose Flour: Just your regular flour from the pantry works perfect.
Baking Soda: This gives us that gorgeous rise.
Salt: A pinch makes everything taste better.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it's softened not melted.
Both Sugars: Regular sugar for sweetness brown sugar for that caramel note.
Large Eggs: Set these out early so they mix better.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla makes such a difference.
Buttermilk: The secret to super moist bread.
Ground Cinnamon: Get the fresh stuff it matters.

Let's Get Baking

First up preheat your oven to 350°F. I always start by greasing my 9×5 loaf pan really well. Nothing worse than a stuck bread trust me I've been there.

Starting with the Basics

Grab a bowl and whisk your flour baking soda and salt together. I like to do this first so it's ready when we need it. Plus it makes sure everything gets evenly distributed through the bread.

A close-up of a sliced cinnamon roll loaf, showcasing the swirled layers of cinnamon and icing. | tastyblom.com

The Heart of the Batter

This is where the magic starts. Beat your butter and sugar until it's super fluffy and light. Takes about 3 minutes. Add those eggs one at a time. Then the vanilla goes in last. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing.

Bringing It All Together

Now we're going to do a little dance with the flour mix and buttermilk. Start with flour end with flour and alternate between them. Just mix until everything comes together. Overmixing makes tough bread and we don't want that.

The Sweet Stuff

Mix your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This is what makes that gorgeous swirl we're all here for. I sometimes add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon because why not.

Creating Those Swirls

Pour half your batter in the pan then sprinkle that cinnamon sugar mixture all over it. Top with the rest of the batter and the remaining cinnamon sugar. This is how we get those beautiful swirls in every slice.

Into the Oven

Take a knife and swirl through the batter a few times. Don't go crazy with it just enough to marble everything together. Pop it in the oven for about 50-60 minutes. Your house is going to smell incredible.

A close-up view of a slice of cinnamon roll bread topped with a glossy icing, arranged neatly in a baking pan. | tastyblom.com

Time to Enjoy

Let your bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. I know it's tempting to dig right in but trust me on this. Then move it to a cooling rack. Though I won't judge if you sneak a warm slice.

My Favorite Tips

The secret to that perfect swirl is making sure your batter layers are even. I've made this so many times and learned the hard way. Also getting your ingredients to room temperature makes such a difference. Take them out while you're having your morning coffee.

Keeping It Fresh

If you have leftovers which rarely happens in my house wrap the bread well in plastic wrap. It'll stay fresh on your counter for 5 days. Want it extra moist? Pop it in the fridge overnight. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months just wrap it really well first.

Quick Answers

If your bread seems a bit dry brush some simple syrup over each slice. When you're checking if it's done use that toothpick test but also give the top a gentle press. If it springs back you're good to go. The sides pulling away from the pan is another good sign.

A close-up view of sliced cinnamon roll bread drizzled with icing. | tastyblom.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called quick bread?: It's called quick bread because it uses baking soda instead of yeast as a leavener. This means no waiting for dough to rise, making it much quicker to prepare than traditional yeast breads.
→ Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?: While buttermilk gives the best texture, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
→ How should I store this bread?: Store the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
→ Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?: Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother batter. This results in a more even texture in the finished bread.
→ Can I add nuts to this recipe?: Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

A delightful quick bread that combines the warmth of cinnamon with a soft, tender texture. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, this recipe requires no complicated techniques or long rising times.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread