If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting treat that’s ready in no time at all, this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender, moist bread infused with a sweet cinnamon ribbon running through each slice and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that simply melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a quiet breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a snack to share with friends, this recipe combines simplicity and flavor in a way that feels like a warm hug. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep—just a handful of pantry staples and a little love, and you’ll have a loaf that tastes like it came from your favorite bakery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun here because each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness in this quick bread. The combination of oils and dairy keeps the crumb moist and tender, while the cinnamon sugar swirl adds just the right amount of sugary spice that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup Oil: Using canola or vegetable oil helps keep the bread moist without adding strong flavors.
- 1/2 cup Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bread gently and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel and depth to the sweetness.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the bread.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, fragrant base flavor.
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess, keeping the bread tender.
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk: Helps the bread rise while contributing to a fluffy texture.
- 2 cups Flour: All-purpose or cake flour works well to give structure without being too dense.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Reacts with buttermilk to lighten the bread.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Additional leavening for a perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the bread’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup Sugar (for swirl): Creates the sweet cinnamon ribbon through the bread.
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (for swirl): Enhances the caramel notes in the cinnamon swirl.
- 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon: The star spice that adds warmth and aroma.
- 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Smooths the top with a sweet finishing touch.
- 2 Tablespoons Milk or Cream (for glaze): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla or Vanilla Bean Paste (for glaze): For that extra depth in the sweet drizzle.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to grease your loaf pan well, or coat it with a non-stick spray, to ensure your bread slips out perfectly when baked. I like to use an 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 inch size because it creates a beautiful, evenly baked loaf that’s easy to slice.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, sour cream, and buttermilk. Mixing these first ensures the sugars start dissolving into the liquids, which results in a smoother batter and ultimately a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, fold in your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Be gentle as you mix to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread tough. You want everything just combined so it’s thick but still scoopable.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon that will become the signature swirl. This simple cinnamon sugar layer is where the magic happens—it adds that irresistible visual appeal and a spicy sweetness that permeates each bite.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Then, use a knife to gently swirl the mixture, creating those lovely cinnamon ribbons. Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it out to cover the cinnamon sugar layer. This layering is key so the swirl remains perfectly distinct and visually inviting.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze
Bake your bread in the oven for 44 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it after about 30 minutes to prevent over-browning—cover the top loosely with foil if needed, allowing the bread to rise beautifully without burning. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean. Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla to make a luscious glaze. Drizzle it generously over your cinnamon swirl bread for the ideal finishing touch.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple glaze is wonderful, but for special occasions or a touch of extra indulgence, try sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top. A light dusting of cinnamon powder or even a smear of softened butter can elevate each slice even more.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. If you want to turn it into a more substantial breakfast, serve it alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt. It’s also lovely with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, slice the bread into smaller bites and serve with little bowls of flavored butters, honey, or jam. You can also transform slices into decadent French toast or create a bread pudding using leftover slices to showcase the cinnamon swirl in a new and exciting way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves the moisture and keeps the bread soft and flavorful, perfect for enjoying as leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to save a loaf for later, wrap it carefully in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Your cinnamon swirl quick bread recipe freezes beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter.
Reheating
To bring this bread back to life after storage, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. The warmth revives the flavors and soft texture, making it feel like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat will create a denser texture and impart a nuttier flavor. Using a mix of half all-purpose and half whole wheat is a great way to maintain lightness while adding whole grain nutrition.
What if I don’t have sour cream or buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Sour cream can be swapped with plain yogurt in a pinch, which keeps the moisture and tang that help the bread rise and stay tender.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! This batter works well in muffin tins or mini loaf pans. Reduce baking time accordingly—muffins usually bake in about 18-22 minutes, and mini loaves take closer to 30 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and a pretty finish, but it’s not essential. The bread is delicious on its own or with butter. If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the glaze or dust the top with cinnamon sugar instead.
How can I make the cinnamon swirl more defined?
For a more pronounced swirl, gently layer the cinnamon sugar mixture and use a knife or skewer to carefully swirl it without mixing too much into the batter. Also, adding a little extra cinnamon sugar layer and ensuring the batter isn’t too thin helps keep the swirl from blending too much.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re a quick bread beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe delivers irresistibly warm cinnamon flavor with a tender crumb every time. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own little slice of everyday joy!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf featuring a delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it combines the richness of sour cream and buttermilk with a sweet cinnamon layer, topped with a simple vanilla glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Batter:
- 1/2 cup Oil (such as canola or vegetable)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 2 cups Flour (all-purpose or cake)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze:
- 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Milk or Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla or Vanilla Bean Paste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray an 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk. Stir until well blended. Then, fold in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined, ensuring the batter is smooth but not overmixed.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix together the sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This will create the flavorful swirl inside the bread.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Pour the remaining batter over the top and spread evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 44 to 50 minutes. Check the bread after 30 minutes; if it’s browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing it to fully cook. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bread.
- Serve: Slice the bread and serve as a deliciously sweet treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Notes
- You can use either all-purpose or cake flour depending on the texture you prefer; cake flour will yield a softer crumb.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the swirl mixture by an additional teaspoon.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and buttermilk with coconut yogurt and a milk alternative mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar respectively.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and moistness to the bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
