Cinnamon Roll Bread Recipe

If the thought of waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls brings a smile to your face, then this Cinnamon Roll Bread recipe is about to make your breakfast dreams come true. Imagine a tender, moist loaf swirled with ribbons of cinnamon-sugar goodness—just the right balance of sweet and spice in every slice. It’s perfect for an indulgent start to your morning, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a comforting dessert. Whether you’re baking for your family or treating yourself to a little comfort, Cinnamon Roll Bread captures all the nostalgic flavors of classic cinnamon rolls, but with half the fuss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a handful of familiar ingredients, each one working its magic to create the signature flavor, tender crumb, and gorgeous marbled look of Cinnamon Roll Bread. Let’s shine a spotlight on what makes each component essential.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and foundation for the bread, ensuring it holds its shape while staying soft.
• Baking powder: Adds the lift that keeps the loaf airy and light, just like your favorite cinnamon rolls.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and amplifies the cinnamon flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base of the bread for gentle, everyday flavor.
• Milk: Adds necessary moisture, contributing to a tender, soft breadcrumb.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and delivers a rich, velvety finish.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the cinnamon aroma.
• Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Provides just the right amount of tang and keeps the bread deliciously moist.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality you crave.
• Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and caramel flavor in every swirl.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice, bringing warmth, color, and bold flavor to every bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature for an even bake and golden crust. While the oven warms, generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This bit of prep ensures your Cinnamon Roll Bread will slide out easily and look picture-perfect every time.

Step 2: Whisk Up Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This step blends everything evenly, so each bite will be light, consistent, and bursting with balanced flavor. No pockets of flour or gritty sugar—only pure bread bliss.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the milk, egg, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and melted butter. Whisk until completely smooth and well-blended. The dairy and butter ensure your Cinnamon Roll Bread stays incredibly tender and moist, while the egg helps everything come together beautifully.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread a little tough. You’re aiming for a thick, but pourable batter with no dry spots left.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until they’re perfectly blended. This simple mix is the secret to the iconic swirl that defines Cinnamon Roll Bread.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the bread batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Take a knife and gently swirl through the bread for a pretty marbled effect. Just a few figure-eights will do—it’s all about that beautiful pattern and taste.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the Cinnamon Roll Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling. All that’s left is to slice, serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your Cinnamon Roll Bread with a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk—you can make it as thick or as thin as you like. For a touch of elegance, add a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of toasted pecans, or even a few curls of white chocolate on top to highlight the cinnamon swirls.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad for a bright morning treat, or a dollop of vanilla yogurt if you’re serving it for breakfast. For dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of rich, strong coffee to perfectly complement the sweet cinnamon flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Cinnamon Roll Bread and layering the pieces on a platter with berries and a small bowl of glaze in the center for dipping. For brunch parties, cut the bread into cubes and serve as part of a breakfast charcuterie board with jams, cheeses, and fresh fruit. You can even toast a slice and top with a pat of butter for the ultimate comforting snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover Cinnamon Roll Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to three days, making it perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Slice the cooled loaf, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag. When a craving hits, just take out what you need—your Cinnamon Roll Bread will be ready after a quick thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. This revives the soft texture and intensifies the cinnamon aroma. If you’ve added glaze, heat with care so it stays silky and doesn’t get overly melty.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?

Absolutely! While all-purpose flour gives the bread a light crumb, you can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour for extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor. The texture will be a little heartier, but still delicious.

Do I need a stand mixer to make Cinnamon Roll Bread?

Not at all! This recipe is wonderfully simple and can be mixed entirely by hand with just a couple of bowls and a whisk or spatula. Less cleanup, more enjoyment!

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt or sour cream?

No problem—plain yogurt (even regular, not Greek) works well, or you can use buttermilk in a pinch. The goal is to add moisture and a subtle tang, so most cultured dairy products will do the trick.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Definitely! Stir in up to half a cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or raisins to the batter before baking. They add a lovely texture and turn the loaf into an extra-special treat.

Is Cinnamon Roll Bread best served warm or at room temperature?

Honestly, it’s wonderful both ways! Fresh from the oven, the aroma is unbeatable and the bread is super soft. Once cooled, the flavors deepen and slices hold together beautifully for easy snacking or packing in lunches.

Final Thoughts

Baking a loaf of Cinnamon Roll Bread is like giving your kitchen a warm, cozy hug. Every bite delivers those classic comforting flavors we all adore, but with a quick and easy method you’ll want to return to again and again. If you’re ready for a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, this bread is the treat you deserve to try—your family (and your tastebuds) will thank you!

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