Oh, hello there! There’s just something about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? Back in Valencia, when I’m not lost in the vibrant flavours of Spanish cooking, there’s nothing I love more than pulling together a good, honest loaf. And let me tell you, this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe? It’s a hug in bread form. It reminds me of lazy Sunday mornings, the kind where the world feels a little slower and a lot more delicious. I’ve poured my heart into this recipe, making sure it’s just right, so you can get that perfect soft crumb and sweet, comforting swirl every single time. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
Seriously, this recipe is a winner! You’ll adore how:
- It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even if you’re new to bread baking!
- The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is just heavenly.
- It turns out perfectly soft and wonderfully swirly every time.
- It’s super versatile – great for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet dessert!
Easy Cinnamon Swirl Loaf for Every Baker
Don’t let baking bread intimidate you! This recipe is truly an easy cinnamon swirl loaf. I’ve broken it down so simply, even if you’ve never baked bread before, you’ll get fantastic results. It’s all about simple steps and a little bit of patience.
The Best Cinnamon Bread for Breakfast and Beyond
This isn’t just any bread; it’s truly the best cinnamon bread for starting your day. Imagine a warm slice with your morning coffee or tea! But it’s also fantastic for afternoon snacks or even as a simple dessert. It’s just that good, anytime!
Essential Ingredients for Your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making this absolute dream of a Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread! It’s all about good quality ingredients, and thankfully, most of them are probably already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup warm milk: Make sure it’s warm, not hot! Think around 105-115°F (40-46°C). This is crucial for waking up our yeast.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: That’s one standard packet. If it doesn’t get foamy when you mix it with the milk and sugar, it might be old, and we don’t want that!
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a little bit to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and keeps our bread lovely and soft.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: Room temp is best so it incorporates smoothly into the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Don’t forget the salt! It balances the sweetness and really brings out the flavours.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Plus a little extra for dusting your surface when we knead.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: This is for our gorgeous swirl! Make sure it’s packed down in the cup.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Use a good quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened for filling: This needs to be spreadable but not melted. Let it sit out for a bit before you need it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Alright, let’s get baking this gorgeous Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread! It’s a straightforward process, and watching that dough come to life is just the best. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a masterpiece.
Preparing the Dough for Your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread
First things first, let’s wake up our yeast! In a big bowl, mix the warm milk with your yeast and a pinch of that granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets all foamy and bubbly on top – that means the yeast is alive and kicking! Now, stir in the melted butter and the egg. Add the salt, and then it’s time for the flour. Add it gradually, mixing as you go, until a soft, shaggy dough starts to form. Turn this dough out onto a lightly floured surface and get ready to knead. You want to knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep going until it’s smooth, stretchy, and feels wonderfully elastic. It’s a bit of a workout, but so worth it!
Crafting the Irresistible Cinnamon Swirl Filling
While your dough is having its first lovely rise, let’s whip up that magical filling. In a small bowl, just mix together the packed brown sugar and the ground cinnamon until it’s all combined. That’s it! So simple, right? When your dough has doubled in size and is looking beautifully puffy, gently punch it down. Now, on a lightly floured surface, roll that dough out into a big rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Take your softened butter – the kind that’s spreadable but not melted – and slather it all over the dough, right to the edges. Then, sprinkle that amazing cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter. Get it everywhere!
Baking Your Beautiful Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Once your dough is all rolled up, seam-side down, in your greased loaf pan, cover it gently and let it have its second rise. It should get nearly doubled in size, which usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. While it’s doing its thing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, pop that beautiful loaf into the hot oven and bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color on top. A great way to tell if it’s done is to tap the top – it should sound hollow! Once it’s out, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to slice it right away; letting it cool makes it even softer!
Tips for a Truly Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Bread
Want to make sure your homemade cinnamon bread is absolutely perfect every time? A few little tricks go a long way! Make sure your milk is just the right temperature – too hot and it kills the yeast, too cool and it won’t wake up. For the kneading part, don’t be shy! Really work that dough until it’s smooth and elastic; it makes all the difference for a lovely texture. And when it comes to the filling, don’t skimp on that softened butter or the cinnamon-sugar mix. It’s what makes this easy cinnamon swirl loaf so special!
Achieving the Perfect Swirl in Your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Getting those beautiful swirls is easier than you think! When you roll out your dough, try to keep the rectangle even so the swirls are consistent. Spread that softened butter right to the very edges, and then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix generously. When you roll it up from the long side, try to keep it snug but not so tight that the filling squishes out. Pinch that seam really well to seal it up before you place it in the pan. That’s the secret to keeping all that yumminess tucked inside!
Ensuring a Soft and Fluffy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread Texture
For that cloud-like, soft cinnamon swirl bread texture, it all comes down to a few things. First, measure your flour correctly – spooning it into the cup and leveling it off is better than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack too much in. Then, that kneading time is super important for developing the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and softness. And don’t rush the rising times! Letting the dough double properly means a lighter, fluffier loaf. Patience is key here, my friends!
Serving and Storing Your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread
This beautiful loaf of Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread is just begging to be enjoyed! It’s absolutely divine on its own, maybe with a nice cup of coffee or tea. If you want to make it extra special, a simple cream cheese glaze or a light dusting of powdered sugar is lovely. For storing any leftovers (though I doubt there will be many!), just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It stays wonderfully fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze slices or the whole loaf. Just pop it in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and irresistible cinnamon sugar bread goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Got questions about making this dream of a Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread? I’ve got you covered! Baking should be fun, not stressful, so let’s clear up any little worries.
Can I Make Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread Ahead of Time?
You sure can! You can mix the dough one day and let it do its first rise in the fridge overnight. Just take it out a couple of hours before you want to shape and bake it. It’s a great way to fit baking into a busy schedule!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread?
Honestly, the best way to keep this homemade cinnamon bread fresh is to wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay lovely for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, slicing it and freezing works wonders!
Understanding the Nutrition of Your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Now, while this bread is all about comfort and deliciousness, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying! These numbers are just an estimate, of course, because how much cinnamon-sugar you sprinkle or the exact brand of flour you use can change things a tiny bit. But generally, a slice of this lovely Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread will give you around 250 calories. You’ll also find about 10g of fat, with 6g of that being saturated fat, and roughly 35g of carbohydrates, which includes about 12g of sugar. We’ve got about 5g of protein and 2g of fiber in there too. It’s a treat, for sure, and a delightful part of any breakfast or snack!
Print
Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A Hug
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A timeless recipe for homemade cinnamon swirl bread, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in melted butter and egg.
- Add salt and gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough. Roll out into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll up dough tightly from the long side. Pinch seam to seal.
- Place seam-side down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until nearly doubled.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk.
- Ensure your yeast is active for proper rising.
- Adjust cinnamon-sugar filling to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cinnamon swirl bread, homemade bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread, cinnamon sugar bread, classic bread recipe, baking