Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread – Easy Recipe

One day I was browsing through my home gourmet mom’s extensive files and came across a treasure – a hand-scrawled recipe for “Cinnamon Loaf” written on a bank deposit slip. Intrigued by its unique origins and the fact that I had all the ingredients on hand, I decided to whip up a loaf for our weekend guests. Well, it was a showstopper! This quick bread didn’t require any fancy ingredients or techniques, yet the combination of flavors and textures had everyone reaching for seconds. It’s been a regular on my baking rotation ever since, and here’s why you should add it to yours:

• Effortless elegance. Forget the intimidation factor of traditional yeast breads. This quick bread comes together super easily – no kneading, no rising, just mixing and layering. It’s perfect for both accomplished bakers and those new to bread-making.
• A taste of home. The warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar are sure to evoke nostalgic memories. For me, it’s like stepping back into my grandma Nama’s kitchen, enjoying a comforting slice of cinnamon toast.
• Pantry staples. All the ingredients you need are likely already on hand. And if not, they’ll be at your local grocery store.
• Secret ingredient duo. A touch of orange zest in the cinnamon filling adds delightful depth and brightness, while sour cream creates a remarkably moist and tender crumb.
• Adaptable size. This versatile recipe can be baked in one large loaf pan, perfect for sharing with a crowd, or divided into two medium loaves, or even four mini loaves that are ideal for gifting.

Here’s all you’ll need to create this delicious Cinnamon Bread:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Table salt
• Butter (salted)
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Ground cinnamon
• Orange zest

And here’s all you have to do to create this delicious homemade bread:

1. Prep ingredients.
   Bring all ingredients to room temperature.
2. Prep oven and baking pan(s).
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter your baking pan or pans (see sizes in Notes below). Line with two pieces of buttered parchment paper, cut to fit and placed crosswise, with around 2 inches overlapping outside the pan.
3. Combine dry ingredients.
   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
4. Cream butter and sugar.
   In a large bowl, using the paddle attachment of a hand-held or stand mixer, cream the butter and 1 cup of the sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, around 3 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
5. Add remaining wet ingredients.
   Reduce the speed to medium and add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla, sour cream, and milk until well blended.
6. Add dry ingredients.
   At low speed, slowly add the flour mixture, beating just until blended (do not overmix). Dough will be very thick.
7. Place half of batter in pan.
   Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s) and smooth so the top is level.
8. Add cinnamon-sugar layer.
   In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Using your hands, blend in the orange zest; set aside 1 tablespoon. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over top of the batter in the pan(s).
9. Add remaining batter.
   Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the top and smooth so the top is level.
10. Finish top.
    Using a sharp knife, make a cut along the top of the batter lengthwise to within 1 inch of each end. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the cut.
11. Bake.
    Bake for 40 to 45 minutes for a large pan, 35 to 40 minutes for medium pans, or until a toothpick inserted in the center (but not through the cinnamon sugar) comes out clean.
12. Cool.
    Remove the bread from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan(s) using the parchment paper. Remove parchment paper and place bread on a wire rack to cool completely.

While this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread is delicious as is, feel free to add more ingredients to your taste. Chopped pecans or walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries would all be delicious in this bread!
 
Alternatively, add an orange-flavored glaze to the top: In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup powdered sugar and 4 teaspoons fresh orange juice until well blended. Mixture should be fairly thick, yet thin enough to drizzle. If too thick, add more juice. Drizzle over the top of the cooked and cooled bread (I like to put it in a squeeze bottle).