What is cinnamon swirl quick bread?

Cinnamon swirl quick bread is a simple, no-yeast bread that bakes in about an hour. It features a tender vanilla batter swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, spicy ribbon effect inside. Unlike traditional yeast breads, it uses baking powder or soda for a fast rise, making it perfect for beginners. Each slice reveals the gooey cinnamon layers, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. A standard loaf serves 10-12 people and stores well at room temperature. Customize with add-ins like pecans or raisins for extra texture. This recipe typically calls for basic pantry staples: flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and cinnamon.

How do you make cinnamon swirl quick bread at home?

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla for the batter. For the swirl, combine 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, and optional 1 tbsp melted butter. Pour half the batter into the pan, add swirl mixture, top with remaining batter, and swirl gently with a knife. Bake 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then fully on a rack. Yields one loaf; total time under 70 minutes. Slice after full cooling for best texture.

How long does cinnamon swirl quick bread stay fresh?

Freshly baked cinnamon swirl quick bread lasts 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week—it keeps moist thanks to the sugar swirl. To freeze, wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic and foil; it freezes well for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly. Avoid direct sunlight or humidity to prevent staleness. Pro tip: warm slices in a toaster oven to revive the cinnamon aroma and soft crumb. Always check for mold before eating, especially in warm climates.

Can I make cinnamon swirl quick bread without eggs?

Yes, replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or plain yogurt for a moist, egg-free version. These binders maintain the tender crumb without altering flavor much. For vegan options, use plant-based milk like almond or oat, and dairy-free butter or oil. The batter rises reliably with baking soda and buttermilk (or vegan sub like lemon juice + milk). Test doneness at 50 minutes, as egg subs can make it denser. This adaptation works for allergies or dietary needs, yielding a loaf that's nearly identical in taste and swirl perfection. Experiment with one sub first for best results.

Why does my cinnamon swirl quick bread sink in the middle?

Sinking often happens from overmixing the batter, which deflates air bubbles, or opening the oven door too early before the structure sets (wait 20-25 minutes). Other causes: inaccurate measurements (too much liquid or leavener), expired baking powder/soda, or a cool oven. Fix by sifting dry ingredients, mixing just until combined, and measuring flour by spooning into the cup (not scooping). Use room-temperature ingredients for even rise. If it still sinks slightly, the bread is safe to eat—trim the middle and enjoy the edges. Baking at sea level? Reduce leavener by 1/4 tsp at high altitudes. Perfect loaf every time with these tweaks.

Simple Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe Anyone Can Bake

Name: Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour for forming the structure and tender crumb of the bread loaf recipe; 1 cup granulated sugar for adding sweetness to the batter and helping with browning; 1 teaspoon baking soda for providing the quick rise without yeast for no yeast bread; 1/2 teaspoon salt for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste; 1 cup buttermilk for keeping the bread moist and tender with its acidity activating the leavener; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted for adding richness and flavor to the batter; 2 large eggs for binding ingredients and contributing to the soft texture; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for infusing a warm, comforting aroma; 1/3 cup granulated sugar for the cinnamon swirl filling, creating the gooey sweetness; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for delivering the signature spicy swirl that defines cinnamon swirl bread; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional) for helping the swirl stick and adding extra moisture

Description

🍞 Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon swirl bread without the hassle of yeast – this quick bread comes together in minutes
🌟 Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this moist and tender bread features a beautiful cinnamon sugar swirl throughout every slice

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour for forming the structure and tender crumb of the bread loaf recipe

1 cup granulated sugar for adding sweetness to the batter and helping with browning

1 teaspoon baking soda for providing the quick rise without yeast for no yeast bread

1/2 teaspoon salt for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste

1 cup buttermilk for keeping the bread moist and tender with its acidity activating the leavener

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted for adding richness and flavor to the batter

2 large eggs for binding ingredients and contributing to the soft texture

1 teaspoon vanilla extract for infusing a warm, comforting aroma

1/3 cup granulated sugar for the cinnamon swirl filling, creating the gooey sweetness

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for delivering the signature spicy swirl that defines cinnamon swirl bread

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional) for helping the swirl stick and adding extra moisture

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line with parchment for easy release. This sets up success for your cinnamon bread. Room temperature ingredients mix smoothly and rise better. Gather all tools: bowls, whisk, spatula, knife for swirling.

2-Second Step: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. In another bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla. Beat wet ingredients until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour wet into dry. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined. Lumps are okay; overmixing toughens the crumb. This batter for no yeast bread stays thick, perfect for swirling.

3-Third Step: Mix 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl. Add 1 tbsp melted butter if using for extra gooeyness. Set aside. This brown sugar cinnamon swirl bread filling sinks beautifully into the batter.

4-Fourth Step: Pour half the batter into the pan, smooth top. Sprinkle all the cinnamon mixture evenly. Top with remaining batter, covering filling. Use a butter knife to swirl gently: insert deep, drag in figure-8 patterns 4-5 times. Avoid over-swirling or layers blend. This creates the signature cinnamon swirl quick bread recipe look.

5-Fifth Step: Bake 50-60 minutes. Tent with foil at 40 minutes if browning too fast. Test center with toothpick; clean with few moist crumbs. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Full cooling prevents gumminess. Slice once fully cool for best moist cinnamon swirl loaf slices.

Notes

🌡️ For best results, let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling
🧊 Store wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
🔧 To make buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup regular milk and let sit for 5 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 245
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg

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