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Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a classic baked good that has been enjoyed by many for generations. This sweet bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent snack. 

 

Main image for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

 

This bread is like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly day. With its fluffy, yeasty texture and decadent swirl of cinnamon and sugar, it’s the ultimate indulgence for your taste buds.

The combination of cinnamon and sugar makes this cinnamon roll bread a deliciously sweet treat.

It’s easy to make with simple ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.

This recipe is versatile and can be used to make French toast, bread pudding, and other desserts.

This cinnamon swirl bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent snack.

The aroma of cinnamon and butter wafting through your home as this bread bakes is truly irresistible.

 

Bread dough risen in bowl

 

What Ingredients Are in Cinnamon Swirl Bread?

These ingredients come together to create a warm and indulgent homemade cinnamon swirl bread that’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

  • Whole milk: adds richness and creaminess to the bread.
  • Vegetable oil: provides moisture and tender texture.
  • White sugar: adds sweetness to the dough. You can also use brown sugar if you prefer.
  • Active dry yeast: a leavening agent that makes the bread rise.
  • All-purpose flour: gives the bread structure and volume.
  • Baking powder: helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
  • Baking soda: balances the acidity in the dough.
  • Salt: enhances the flavor of the bread.
  • Melted butter: adds richness and flavor to the dough.
  • Cinnamon: be generous! This makes the bread irresistible!

Pro Tips:

  • Be generous with the cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter when making the cinnamon rolls. This gives you the full flavor and is delicious.
  • You could also substitute with instant yeast if desired.
  • Too much flour can cause the bread to dry out. Use a lightly floured surface for working.
  • I haven’t tried this with brown sugar, but if you do please let me know how it turned out in the comments.
  • Optional: toss in sweet raisins for an easy cinnamon raisin bread.

 

bread dough kneaded and ready to be rolled out

 

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This homemade cinnamon bread is the only thing you’re going to want to eat all week!

  1. Cook: Heat milk, vegetable oil, and sugar in a pot until it simmers. Let it cool until warm.
  2. Add: Sprinkle yeast on top of the milk mixture and let it sit for 1 minute. Slowly add flour and mix just until combined.
  3. First Rise: Cover dough and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 hour. 
  4. Shape: Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Roll out the dough and add butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll it up and cut into pieces.
  5. Bake: Place the dough into prepared bread pans and let it do a second rise for and then bake until golden brown!

Pro Tips:

  • Use a large pot or dutch oven so you have enough space to add the flour and mix the dough.
  • Be patient when letting the milk mixture cool. It needs to be warm, but not too hot, to activate the yeast properly.
  • Let bread dough rise in a warm place to help it rise quicker.
  • Let the bread cool for a few minutes or to room temperature before slicing to avoid crumbling.

If you love cinnamon rolls, give these recipes a try: 

 

Butter and white sugar spread over rolled out dough

 

How to Eat Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This homemade bread is a fantastic recipe that can be enjoyed in many ways. 

It is perfect for breakfast or brunch, served alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit. 

It is also great as a midday snack or dessert, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

 

Cinnamon spread all over rolled out dough coated in sugar and butter

 

Is Cinnamon Swirl Bread Healthy?

While cinnamon swirl bread is undeniably delicious, it is not exactly a health food. 

It is high in sugar calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than as a staple in your diet.

It’s also not part of a low calorie diet though you can do things to increase the dietary fiber.

To make it a bit healthier and balance your meal, serve with a variety of fresh fruits!

 

top view looking at the long roll of cinnamon rolls, uncut

 

What Do You Eat with Cinnamon Swirl Bread?

Cinnamon swirl bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be enjoyed with a variety of toppings. 

Some popular options include a pat of butter, honey, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a dollop of cream cheese frosting. 

It is also great when paired with a hot cup of cocoa and sprinkled with powdered sugar the next morning!

Try any of these recipes to get the best way to enjoy your bread:

 

Cinnamon rolls rolled up and cut into bread pan lengths

 

How to Roll a Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Rolling cinnamon swirl bread can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, it is easy to get the hang of. 

First, start by flattening the dough into a rectangular shape. 

Then, sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface of the dough. 

Roll the dough up tightly, starting at one end and working your way to the other end. 

Place seam side down to prevent the bread from separating while baking.

 

cinnamon roll log placed into a prepared bread pan

 

What Causes Cinnamon Swirl Bread to Separate While Baking?

Cinnamon swirl bread can sometimes separate while baking if it is not rolled tightly enough. 

Make sure that the soft dough is rolled up in a tight log and that the seams are pinched closed before baking to prevent this from happening.

Then transfer to your prepared loaf pan and enjoy the best thing you’re going to eat all week!

 

baked cinnamon roll bread in bread pan

 

What is Cinnamon Swirl Bread Used For?

The end result of cinnamon roll bread is that can be used in many ways. 

It is perfect for French toast, bread pudding, or even as a base for a sweet and decadent bread pudding. 

It can also be used to make cinnamon swirl muffins, cinnamon swirl cake, or even as a topping for ice cream. 

The possibilities are endless!

 

top view looking down at slices of cinnamon roll bread

 

Try this recipe for the Best French Toast! It’s made with cinnamon swirl bread and absolutely fantastic!

Whether toasted and slathered with butter or enjoyed as French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup, this Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a true delight for anyone with a sweet tooth.

 

Yield: 3 loaves of Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

top view looking down at slices of cinnamon roll bread

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is my favorite cinnamon roll in bread form!  Perfect for toast & french toast! This is a must make bread for any cinnamon roll lover!

Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Inactive Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or dutch oven, over medium heat, add milk, vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup of sugar.
  2. Heat mixture and stir until it begins to simmer.
  3. Remove from hot burner and let mixture sit and cool until warm but not hot. This should take between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Sprinkle yeast on top of milk mixture and allow to sit for 1 minute. Do not stir in.
  5. Slowly add 4 cups of the flour (1 at a time) mixing just until combined after each addition. Dough will be very sticky. That is good!
  6. Cover mixture with a clean flour sack kitchen towel. If you do not have one, saran wrap sprayed with cooking spray will work as well.
  7. Sit mixture in a relatively warm and draft free spot for 1 hour, allowing mixture to rise.
  8. After 1 hour, remove the towel and add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup flour.
  9. Mix thoroughly until combined.
  10. Prepare 3 bread pans (if doing only bread, no cinnamon rolls - if doing 1/2 cinnamon rolls and 1/2 bread, prepare 1 bread pan.
  11. Generously butter pans.
  12. Remove 1/2 the dough from pan and place it on a well floured work surface like a large counter or island. I like to sprinkle the top of my dough with a little flour as well when I initially start rolling so it does not stick to my rolling pin.
  13. Roll out dough into a rectangle to the best of your ability. Should be approximately 10 inches high and 30 inches across.
  14. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick as it will double in size when baking.
  15. Melt 1/2 cup of butter and pour over the dough. Be generous. Use your fingers or a spatula to spread butter evenly over dough.
  16. Sprinkle 1/2 cup (or more) of sugar over butter on rolls.
  17. Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon on rolls over sugar.
  18. Starting with the WIDE end furthest from you, gently and tightly roll dough towards yourself making the cinnamon roll shape. Continue rolling until all rolled up.
  19. Pinch seams together if dough will allow you too.
  20. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut bread approximately 1/2 inch shorter than pan.
  21. Place cinnamon roll dough log into buttered pan.
  22. Cover with kitchen towel and let rest for 20 minutes.
  23. Preheat oven to 350*F
  24. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes or until golden and hollow sounding when you thump on top of bread.
  25. Let cool for 5 minutes in pan before removing.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

15

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 356mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 2gSugar: 22gProtein: 6g
Originally Posted: February 11, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: April 12, 2018

Photos & Text Updated: August 19, 2024

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Katherine Kolbus

Thursday 21st of April 2022

What temperature for the oven, please?

350 degrees or 375 degrees?

Recipe doesn’t say!

Thank you!

Janelle

Tuesday 10th of May 2022

350*F. It's actually at the bottom of the recipe, though I should move it up to make it easier to find.

Jayne

Wednesday 19th of December 2018

I just made a half batch. The house smells INCREDIBLE!!

Janelle

Saturday 22nd of December 2018

Jayne I'm so glad you tried this recipe! I hope it turned out!! Thanks for your comment!

Liz Heath

Friday 13th of April 2018

This cinnamon roll bread is so delicious. Love it.

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