Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

This recipe is a delicious blend of ease and indulgence. You’ll love how quickly it comes together—no yeast, no waiting for dough to rise. The batter is made with everyday pantry staples, and the cinnamon swirl adds a sweet, fragrant twist that elevates the whole loaf. It’s a family-friendly recipe that appeals to both kids and adults and makes a great homemade gift too.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
brown sugar
large eggs
vanilla extract
buttermilk
ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
Swirl a knife gently through the top of the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf, which serves approximately 8 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and nutty flavor.
• Stir in raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Use a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced variation.
• Drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
• Swap buttermilk for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a slightly tangier loaf.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through.

FAQs

What is a quick bread?

Quick breads are baked goods that use baking soda or baking powder as a leavening agent instead of yeast, allowing for faster preparation and baking.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I use a different size pan?

If using a smaller pan, the batter may overflow, and baking time will vary. For muffins, reduce the bake time to around 20 minutes.

What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon?

Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the top layer of the batter without overmixing.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, although the texture may be slightly different.

Is this bread overly sweet?

No, it has a balanced sweetness that pairs well with the cinnamon and is great for breakfast or dessert.

Can I add a topping?

A crumb topping made with butter, sugar, and flour or a simple glaze would be delicious additions.

How do I keep the bread from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking and store it properly in an airtight container. You can also brush it lightly with butter after baking to lock in moisture.

Can I freeze individual slices?

Yes, slice the bread, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and freeze. Reheat as needed.

Does this bread rise much?

Yes, thanks to the baking soda and acidic buttermilk, the loaf rises well and becomes soft and fluffy inside.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is a flavorful, fuss-free recipe that delivers cozy comfort in every bite. With its golden crust, soft interior, and sweet cinnamon ribbon, it’s a delightful addition to any breakfast table, afternoon tea, or dessert tray. This simple recipe is sure to become a household favorite, whether you stick to the classic or try one of the many delicious variations.

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread

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This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is a moist, sweet, and warmly spiced loaf with a delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, it’s easy to make without yeast and delivers all the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in bread form.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 cup sugar.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add milk and oil. Mix well.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter gently.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, whisk powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze and drizzle over the cooled bread.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
Let the bread cool completely before glazing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
This bread can be frozen without the glaze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg