This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is pure comfort in every slice—soft, tender, and generously layered with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Picture biting into a warm slice of bread with sweet swirls of cinnamon running through it, topped with an optional vanilla glaze that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, this quick bread is as easy to whip up as it is delicious, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: No yeast or kneading needed—perfect for quick baking.
- Delicious Cinnamon Flavor: Layers of sweet cinnamon swirl throughout every bite.
- Perfect Texture: Moist, tender crumb with a golden-brown crust.
- Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
You’ll need these simple ingredients for your Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread:
Cinnamon Swirl
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: For that sweet, spiced swirl.
Bread
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and perfect crumb.
- Baking soda and salt: Essential for rise and balanced flavor.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Sour cream (or yogurt): Adds richness and moisture.
- Whole milk: Ensures softness and moisture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds delicious flavor depth.
- Optional vanilla icing: For a sweet finishing touch.
Note: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk egg, sugar, oil, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Spread half the batter in the prepared pan. Sprinkle most of the cinnamon sugar on top, reserving about 2 tablespoons. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and sprinkle with the reserved cinnamon sugar. Gently swirl with a knife.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake 50-65 minutes, covering loosely with foil halfway through if browning too quickly. Check doneness with a toothpick—it’s ready when it comes out clean. Cool in pan for 1 hour, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 6: Add Icing (Optional)
Drizzle with vanilla icing if desired. Slice and serve!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix ingredients just until combined for the best texture.
- Swirl Gently: Over-swirling will blend the layers too much—just a few swirls are perfect.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and optimal texture.
How to Serve
Enjoy slices of this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. Spread with butter, cream cheese, or simply savor as-is!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or in the fridge up to 1 week.
Freezing
Freeze whole or sliced bread (glazed or unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave or oven for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute buttermilk for sour cream and milk?
Yes, use 1 cup of buttermilk instead for similar results. You can make homemade buttermilk by adding 2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice to whole milk.
Can I add nuts or fruit?
Absolutely! Try adding raisins, chopped nuts, apples, cranberries, or even fresh orange zest for delicious variations.
Can I make this recipe as muffins?
Definitely! Follow the same instructions, spoon into muffin cups, swirl, and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes, then lower to 350°F (177°C) for 15-17 minutes.
Why is my bread dense?
Over-mixing or incorrect measurements can make bread dense. Gently fold ingredients and ensure accurate measuring for best results.
Bake up this cozy Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread today—it’s the perfect way to sweeten any moment!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is packed with warm cinnamon flavor and a soft, tender crumb. With a thick ribbon of cinnamon sugar running through the middle and a beautifully swirled top, every bite is bursting with cozy, spiced sweetness. Serve it as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, and don’t forget the optional vanilla glaze for extra indulgence!
Ingredients
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Bread
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream or plain/Greek yogurt (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup (160ml) whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Vanilla Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- 2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- 3. Make the Bread Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg and sugar until combined.
- Add the vegetable oil, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- 4. Assemble the Loaf
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle most of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping).
- Carefully pour and spread the remaining batter on top.
- Sprinkle with the reserved cinnamon sugar.
- Use a knife to swirl the batter gently (avoid over-mixing the layers).
- 5. Bake the Bread
- Bake for 50-65 minutes, covering loosely with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.
- The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 1 hour before transferring to a wire rack.
- 6. Optional Vanilla Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled bread before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead & Storage: Store at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Flour Alternative: You can use 1 cup buttermilk instead of sour cream + milk for a different texture.
- Variations: Add chopped apples, raisins, pecans, or walnuts to the batter for extra flavor.
- Mini Loaves: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Muffins: Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then lower to 350°F for 15-17 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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