Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe: How to Make It Extra Soft & Sweet

Have you ever wondered how to make the perfect cinnamon swirl bread that’s not only soft and fluffy but also bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor? Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked bread with a delightful swirl of cinnamon and sugar running through each slice. If you’re ready to elevate your breakfast game, keep reading to discover the secrets to making the best cinnamon swirl bread recipe ever!

Overview

This cinnamon swirl bread recipe is special because it combines the comforting taste of homemade bread with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon and sugar. The bread is incredibly soft and fluffy, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. The total time to prepare this bread is about 3 hours, including rising and baking time. The difficulty level is intermediate, but with clear instructions and a bit of patience, even beginners can create this delicious masterpiece.

Essential Ingredients

To make this cinnamon swirl bread, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour: The base of your bread, providing structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the bread its soft, fluffy texture.
• Milk: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and flavor.
• Egg: Adds structure and richness to the dough.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• Brown sugar: Provides a deeper, richer sweetness than granulated sugar.
• Ground cinnamon: The star ingredient that gives the bread its signature flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the dough and adds richness.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Whole wheat flour: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• Dairy-free milk: Use almond, soy, or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Vegan butter: Use vegan butter to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Flaxseed egg: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C), sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more milk.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Melt the Butter: Melt the butter and set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread

1. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 18×9 inches.
2. Spread the Filling: Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
4. Place in Loaf Pan: Place the log seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Let the Dough Rise Again: Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled in size.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
3. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembly Tips

• Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing the bread, use a sharp serrated knife to avoid squishing the soft interior.
• Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and to prevent the filling from oozing out.
• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the bread slightly warm. You can reheat slices in the oven or toaster for a few minutes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store at Room Temperature: This bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze the Bread: You can freeze the baked bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough and cinnamon filling the night before. Let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the assembly and second rise in the morning.

Recipe Variations

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Spread a layer of cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla extract over the dough before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Nutty Swirl: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle chocolate chips or chunks over the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a chocolaty twist.
• Orange Zest Swirl: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a citrusy kick.

Conclusion

Cinnamon swirl bread is a delightful treat that combines the comfort of homemade bread with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon and sugar. With its soft, fluffy texture and sweet swirl, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and variations – the possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and cinnamon filling the night before. Let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the assembly and second rise in the morning.

Q: Is this bread suitable for meal prepping?

A: Absolutely! This bread is perfect for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: Yes! You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Q: How can I make this bread healthier?

A: Use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, or add ingredients like chia seeds or flaxseed for a healthier twist.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?

A: Yes! Wrap the baked bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have instant yeast?

A: You can use active dry yeast instead. Activate it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from becoming too dry?

A: Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, ensure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that you don’t overbake the bread.

Q: Can I make this bread without an egg?

A: Yes! Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.

Q: How do I achieve a perfect swirl?

A: Roll the dough tightly and evenly to create a perfect swirl. Make sure to spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.

Q: Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

A: While you can use a bread machine for the dough, it’s best to assemble and bake the bread in the oven for the best results.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

A: Grease the loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.

Q: Can I make this bread without a loaf pan?

A: Yes! You can shape the dough into a round loaf and bake it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Q: How do I make the bread extra soft?

A: Add a little more butter or a spoonful of honey to the dough for extra softness. You can also brush the top of the bread with melted butter after baking.

Q: Can I make this bread in a convection oven?

A: Yes! If you’re using a convection oven, reduce the baking temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and keep an eye on the bread to prevent overbaking.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?

A: Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, ensure that your yeast is fresh and not expired.

Q: Can I make this bread in a Dutch oven?

A: While it’s not traditional, you can experiment with baking this bread in a Dutch oven. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Q: How do I make the bread extra fluffy?

A: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Also, allow the dough to rise properly in a warm, draft-free place.place.

With these tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to creating delicious and versatile cinnamon swirl bread that everyone will love. Happy baking, and enjoy every soft, sweet bite!