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3 slices of Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread on a white plate, with the loaf behind

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread – Easy Recipe

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This recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread offers a delightful twist on the classic. It’s a quick bread, so forget the yeast and all the fuss that comes with it – no kneading, no waiting for rise, just mix, swirl, and bake! Plus, it boasts two secret weapons: a touch of orange zest for a subtle brightness, and sour cream for unparalleled moistness. This recipe was unearthed from my mom’s recipe files – written on a bank deposit slip of all places.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large, 2 medium, or 4 small loaves (see pan sizes in Notes) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided use
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest (from about 1 large navel orange)

Instructions

  1. Bring all ingredients to room temperature.
  2. 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. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, using the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, cream the butter and 1 cup of the sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, around 3 minutes.
  5. 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. At low speed, slowly add the flour mixture, beating just until blended (do not overmix). Dough will be very thick.
  7. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s) and smooth so the top is level.
  8. 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 the batter in the pan(s).
  9. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the top and smooth so the top is level.
  10. 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 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. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  13. LIft the bread out of the pan(s) using the parchment paper. Remove parchment paper and place bread on a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Pan sizes for this recipe: 1 large (9 by 5-inch), 2 medium (8 by 4-inch), or 4 small (5 3/4 by 3 1/4-inch) loaves. Note that the medium loaves won’t be as tall as the large loaf.

High altitude adjustments: Above 7500 feet, use medium or small pans, add 1 tablespoon flour, and reduce baking powder to 3/4 teaspoon.

Make ahead: Bread can be baked, cooled completely, wrapped with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerated for up to 4 days. It can also be placed in a freezer-safe baggie and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

  • Author: From "Fresh Tastes" by Lee Clayton Roper
  • Category: Quick breads
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://www.seasonedkitchen.com/cinnamon-swirl-bread