Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread

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Better than your average cinnamon roll, this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is the perfect way to start your day! Tender and fluffy vanilla bread, swirled with crunchy cinnamon sugar, and drizzled with the sweetest vanilla icing. Every bite is just SO DELICIOUS and melts in your mouth. The best part? This quick bread requires no yeast, comes together quickly, and tastes even BETTER than a store-bought cinnamon roll. Best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, while it’s still tender and soft, served alongside your favorite morning beverage! Trust me, this will be a bread that will have everyone wanting another slice.

What is Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread?

Well, let’s first get into what exactly IS a quick bread. Unlike yeast bread, a quick bread is made from leavening agents (i.e. baking soda, baking powder). It’s mixed much more like a cake batter than a traditional yeasted bread.

So, what is this recipe? Well, this cinnamon swirl quick bread is a delicious and oh-so aromatic baked treat that combines a moist and flavorful cake-like base with a sweet brown sugar and cinnamon swirl running through the middle.

Reasons You Will Love This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread

• Layered with sweet cinnamon sugar to ensure extra gooey deliciousness.
• Super simple to make. No mixers needed!
• Comes together in less than HALF the time of traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Soft, moist, tender, and melts in your mouth.
• Has extra cinnamon sugar on top to make every bite even MORE delicious.
• Sweet vanilla bread swirled with cinnamon flavor.
• Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• 8 Inch Loaf Pan
• Dull Knife
• Wire Cooling Rack

Best Ingredients To Use (& Why!)

Full ingredient amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

For The Swirl:

• Brown Sugar – To make this recipe more cinnamon-roll like, we opted to use brown sugar to make the swirl more gooey and flavorful!
• Ground Cinnamon – gives the filling SO much flavor, while also making every bite reminiscent of your favorite cinnamon roll.
• All-Purpose Flour – keeps the sugar from dissolving into the dough, ensuring a gorgeous swirl of cinnamon sugar every time!
• Salt – enhances the flavor.

For The Bread:

• All-Purpose Flour – has just the right amount of protein for quick bread. It provides a tender crumb and makes it oh-so delicious.
• Granulated Sugar – adds so much more than just sweetness! By adding granulated sugar, you’re helping keep the loaf moist, promote browning, and so much MORE.
• Baking Powder – provides just the right amount of lift to give this loaf a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt – enhances the flavor.
• Large Eggs – are the binder in this quick bread recipe, as well as contributing to the structure, flavor, texture, and even the color!
• Whole Milk – is essential in this recipe! With the extra fat from the milk, it creates a more tender and flavorful bread.
• Vanilla Extract – complements and enhances the flavors.
• Melted Butter – makes this loaf oh-so buttery, tender, and moist.

How To Make This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread (Step-by-Step!)

Step 1: Make filling

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.

Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Layer and bake

Spoon half of batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle top of the batter with cinnamon sugar mixture. Swirl.

Bake for 65 minutes, or until quick bread tests done.

Step 3: Make icing

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Drizzle over cooled quick bread.

FAQ’s and Troubleshooting

How To Store

This bread needs to be kept in the fridge in a zip top bag or airtight container. It should keep about 4-7 days. You can also bake this loaf and then freeze it for later use!

If you freeze it, be sure to use a freezer safe zip top bag. When you’re ready to eat, set it out on the counter a few hours prior to allow it to come to room temperature. Depending on the temperature of your house, the loaf may need more time to come to room temperature.

DO NOT put the bread back in the oven to reheat.

Easy Substitutions

• Want to make this bread vegan? Use plant based butter, your favorite vegan egg substitute (we love aquafaba for this bread!), and plant based milk. Also, be sure to check your granulated sugar to ensure it is vegan!
• This recipe can easily be made gluten free by using your favorite gluten free all-purpose measure-for-measure flour.
• Looking to make this recipe with a bit more holiday flavor? Try using gingerbread spice, pumpkin pie spice, or even chai spice instead of cinnamon in the filling.

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Expert Tips

• Remember to preheat your oven!
• Check the expiration date on your baking powder before baking.
• Be careful to not over-mix the batter.
• The batter for this recipe is very thick. This helps hold the cinnamon mixture in place.
• To best swirl this quick bread, use a thin bladed knife (preferably dull!) and drag it through the dough in swirls/figure 8’s. This will provide an even swirl throughout the loaf.
• Use a cake tester or a toothpick to see when this bread is done! If it comes out clean, the bread is done baking.
• Once this bread has mostly cooled in the pan, turn out onto a wire rack to allow the loaf to completely cool.

When you make this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread recipe, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.

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