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Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread

cinnamon swirl quick bread - featured image

This easy homemade cinnamon swirl quick bread features a crispy golden crust and tender, moist crumb with ribbons of cinnamon-sugar. It’s a comforting, no-yeast loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. If using nuts or dried fruit, toss them in now.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until a sandy paste forms.
  6. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Dollop half the cinnamon mixture on top. Add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Swirl gently with a butter knife or chopstick in a figure-eight motion.
  7. Bake in the center of the oven for 45–55 minutes, checking after 40 minutes. The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
  8. Cool loaf in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Slice with a serrated knife and serve warm or at room temperature, with butter, cream cheese, or as-is.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum if needed. For dairy-free, substitute coconut oil for butter and almond milk for whole milk. Don’t overmix the batter for a tender crumb. Swirl gently for distinct cinnamon ribbons. Add nuts or fruit for extra flavor. The bread is best served slightly warm or at room temperature and keeps moist for days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon bread, quick bread, easy loaf, cinnamon swirl, breakfast, snack, no yeast, homemade, crispy crust, comfort food