Warm, comforting, and delightfully fragrant, Cinnamon Bread is the ultimate treat for breakfast, as a sweet snack, or even dessert! This irresistible loaf weaves together ribbons of cinnamon-sugar with a soft and fluffy crumb, creating that magical swirl in every slice. Best of all, you’ll be captivated by the smell that fills your kitchen as it bakes—it’s the sort of recipe that instantly makes a house feel like home. Whether you’re baking it for family brunch or simply to make your mornings a little brighter, this Cinnamon Bread is sure to become an instant favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing what you can create with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each element in this Cinnamon Bread plays a starring role—nothing fancy, just a few pantry staples coming together to deliver incredible flavor, texture, and that signature swirl.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base of the loaf, giving the bread just the right structure while keeping it soft.
Baking powder: Lifts the batter so your Cinnamon Bread turns out fluffy and light instead of dense.
Salt: Don’t skip it—it balances the sweetness and intensifies the cinnamon’s warm notes.
Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and for creating that beautiful, irresistible swirl through the loaf.
Ground cinnamon: The main attraction, bringing cozy, aromatic spice in every beautiful ribbon.
Milk: Adds moisture for a tender crumb and helps everything blend smoothly.
Large egg: Bonds the ingredients together for a cohesive, satisfying slice.
Vegetable oil: Ensures the bread stays moist for days, with a lovely soft bite.
Vanilla extract: Adds a delicate aroma that enhances both the cinnamon and sugar flavors.

How to Make Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan—don’t be shy with the grease—as this helps the Cinnamon Bread pop out cleanly with that gorgeous golden crust intact. A properly prepped pan is the best insurance policy for easy removal later!

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. Give it a quick mix until the cinnamon is evenly distributed and you see a rich, brown color. This mixture is the secret to those luscious, sweet, and spicy ribbons running through your loaf.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining 2/3 cup sugar. Whisking not only mixes things together—you’re also incorporating a little air, which translates to tender, fluffy bread.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, add the milk, large egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is completely blended and you see a uniform color. This will help everything come together more smoothly once you pour the wet into the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, stir gently until just combined—fewer strokes are better! The batter should be thick and a little lumpy; overmixing can make the Cinnamon Bread tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry pockets of flour.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer, making sure to reach the corners. Add the rest of the batter, then top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar. Take a knife and gently swirl through the layers—swirling just enough to mix for a marbled effect without thoroughly blending.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the center of your oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The Cinnamon Bread is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick stuck into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Patience pays off here—it slices much better once cool!

How to Serve Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

For a classic finishing touch, you can dust your Cinnamon Bread with a little powdered sugar, or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A pat of softened butter melting over a warm slice is satisfaction guaranteed. And if you’re feeling extra decadent, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a bowl of fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt parfait, or a hot cup of coffee or chai. If you’re making brunch for friends or family, try serving thin slices alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-meets-savory morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cube the Cinnamon Bread for a lovely breakfast trifle layered with fruit and whipped cream, or turn leftover slices into heavenly French toast. For a grab-and-go breakfast, wrap individual slices in parchment or serve mini loaves as edible gifts—who wouldn’t love a homemade cinnamon treat?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cinnamon Bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to three days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the entire loaf in a double layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or pop individual slices into freezer bags. Stored this way, your Cinnamon Bread will stay fresh for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you love your Cinnamon Bread warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or in a toaster oven for a crisp edge. Warm bread brings out the cinnamon aroma and makes the swirl all the more inviting!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and more fiber, but be aware your Cinnamon Bread might turn out a bit denser. Try half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best of both worlds.

Is there a dairy-free option for the milk?

Absolutely! Any non-dairy milk—like almond, oat, or soy—works in this recipe with no problem. You’ll still get a moist, delicious crumb and that lovely swirl.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a moist crumb or two, your Cinnamon Bread is ready. If you see wet batter, give it a few more minutes, checking often toward the end of the suggested baking time.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Definitely! Stir in a half cup of chopped nuts or raisins with the dry ingredients before you add the wet mixture for an extra boost of flavor and texture. Pecans and walnuts are classic, but feel free to make it your own.

How sweet is this Cinnamon Bread?

This recipe is lightly sweet with a lovely cinnamon flavor, but not overwhelming at all. For those with a true sweet tooth, drizzle the loaf with a simple glaze after cooling for an extra touch of indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Baking a loaf of Cinnamon Bread is almost like wrapping your kitchen in a warm hug. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or shared with friends, it’s a timeless recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. If you’ve been searching for the perfect, easy-to-make cinnamon-swirled treat—this is the one. Give it a try and see why homemade Cinnamon Bread is such a beloved classic!

Cinnamon Bread Recipe