Amazing 1-Bowl Cinnamon Bread Secret

Oh, there is just nothing that says ‘cozy kitchen’ louder than the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house, is there? When life gets a little hectic, I always turn back to the recipes that feel like a warm hug, and this cinnamon bread is absolutely at the top of that list. Forget all that waiting around for yeast to proof; this is my go-to Easy Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread.

I promise you, this loaf delivers that incredible texture—super soft and wonderfully moist—without needing any kind of yeast. It’s the kind of simple, comforting bake I first watched my grandmother make while standing on a shaky stool. It reminds me a bit of my famous coffee cake, actually; you can grab the tips for that sour cream coffee cake recipe here! Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or just a Tuesday afternoon snack, this recipe is pure, dependable joy. It’s so easy, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a little secret!

Why This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is Your New Favorite Cozy Cinnamon Treat

I know you’re busy, so I want to show you exactly why this loaf deserves a spot on your baking rotation. It really checks all the boxes for that perfect soft cinnamon bread.

• It’s lightning fast! Since this is a moist cinnamon quick bread, prep takes barely 15 minutes total. No waiting around for the dough to rise.
• Zero intimidation factor. If you’ve never touched yeast, don’t worry! This recipe is so easy for beginners, I promise you can’t mess it up. Plus, if you enjoy quick bakes like this, you should check out my sour cream coffee cake recipe—another wonderfully simple winner!
• The texture is divine—buttery, tender, and unbelievably soft.
• That swirl? It’s homemade comfort, bottled up in one perfect loaf.

Ingredients for Your Homemade Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Okay, let’s get down to the good stuff! Because this is a quick bread, we don’t need a whole pantry setup, just the basics you probably have right now. When you’re shopping, try to grab a nice, fragrant cinnamon because that’s where all the cozy flavor is coming from. If you want more apple variation inspiration, take a peek at my moist cinnamon swirl apple bread recipe!

For the main batter, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the batter base!)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature is best
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or the quick substitute we talk about later!)

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

This part is crucial for those beautiful ribbons running through your sweet cinnamon swirl loaf. Don’t skimp here!

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (yes, more cinnamon!)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Moist Cinnamon Quick Bread

I always get questions about ingredients, especially when relying on basic pantry items for a moist cinnamon quick bread. First, let’s talk buttermilk. If your fridge is empty, don’t panic! You can whip up your own almost instantly. Just take your regular milk and stir in a half teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, then let it sit for about five minutes. See? Super easy!

Another thing beginners often worry about is measuring flour correctly. If you want that light texture and avoid a dense loaf, please don’t scoop your flour directly from the bag with the measuring cup. Instead, give your flour a quick fluff with a fork, spoon it gently into the cup, and then level it off. That little bit of care makes a huge difference in the final result. You can read more about my other simple baking tricks on my favorite sour cream coffee cake recipe page, too!

How to Prepare This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—assembling this beautiful Easy Cinnamon Swirl Loaf! Since we aren’t dealing with yeast, this comes together so quickly; just make sure your oven is hot, set to 350°F (175°C), and your 9×5 pan is greased and floured. Remember, my grandmother always said that a good foundation is everything!

Mixing the Batter and Preparing the Swirl

First, whisk all your dry spices and flour together. Then, in your big bowl, cream that softened butter and white sugar for a good three minutes until it looks light and almost fluffy—that’s how you get the little air pockets that keep it soft later! Beat in your eggs one at a time. Now for the key step for texture: add the dry mixture and the buttermilk alternately, starting and ending with the dry stuff. Seriously, mix *just* until you don’t see white streaks anymore. Overmixing is the enemy here!

While that’s happening, quickly mix your brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Layer it up: half the batter goes in the pan, then half the melted butter, followed by half the cinnamon sugar. Repeat with the remaining batter and topping.

My little peek for a perfect swirl? You want to take a butter knife and gently trace an ‘S’ shape just once or twice through the batter. If you swirl too much, you just mix the sugar right into the cake, and we want ribbons, not mud! Keep it gentle.

SAVE IT

Baking and Cooling Your Cinnamon Bread

Pop it in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re waiting for a wooden skewer inserted right near the middle to come out clean—clean is good, but if it has just a few moist crumbs, that’s even better for the moister bread. Let this gorgeous cinnamon bread cool in the pan for a solid 10 minutes before you try turning it out onto a wire rack. If you rush this step, trust me, the bottom sticks. Give it that time to firm up naturally. If you want more ideas on quick recipes, take a peek at my sour cream coffee cake recipe!

Tips for Success When Baking Cinnamon Bread

Even though this is designed to be easy, a few little tips can take your cinnamon bread from ‘good’ to ‘Oh my gosh, you made this?!’ First, please, please, please use room temperature ingredients—the butter, eggs, and buttermilk. I know it seems fussy, but the temperature difference is why you get that perfectly creamed mixture instead of lumpy batter.

My biggest piece of advice for this recipe is about combining the flour. Seriously, stop mixing the second those dry streaks disappear! This is a quick bread, and developing too much gluten means a tough, dry loaf, and we want the opposite. Also, always check your oven temperature with a cheap little oven thermometer before you put the loaf in. Sometimes my oven runs hot, and that extra 25 degrees can ruin the edges of your beautiful swirl. You can check out some other simple secrets on my sour cream coffee cake recipe page, too!

SAVE IT

Serving Suggestions for Your Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Now that you have this gorgeous loaf, how should you enjoy it? Well, honestly, anytime works! This Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a star at breakfast, especially toasted with a little extra smear of butter—it’s much better than anything you’d grab at the drive-thru. It’s a perfect, cozy afternoon snack option paired with a hot cup of coffee or black tea.

And please consider making an extra loaf as a Cinnamon Bread Gift Idea! Wrap it up tightly in some cellophane with a nice ribbon. Anyone receiving this warm-spiced bread instantly knows they are loved. You can even pair it with toppings you might find on my stuffed French toast recipe!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Cinnamon Bread

The best part about a moist cinnamon quick bread like this is that it actually tastes even better the next day! To keep it fresh, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, and then tuck it into an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay wonderfully soft for three, maybe even four days, just like that.

If you want to bring it back to that just-baked softness—oh, you have to try this! Just grab a thick slice, microwave it for about 10 to 15 seconds. It brings the butter and sugar right back to life, making it taste like you just pulled the loaf out of the oven. Don’t forget to check out my tips for homemade white pizza next time you’re craving comfort food!

SAVE IT

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cinnamon Bread

I always love hearing what you all are wondering about before you start baking! It’s usually the little things that trip people up, but honestly, this recipe is so forgiving. If you’re thinking about making this for your next weekend brunch, you’re in luck because this is truly the Best Cinnamon Bread for Breakfast! If you enjoy simple, no-fuss baking, you absolutely have to check out my tried-and-true sour cream coffee cake recipe for another cozy treat.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this cinnamon bread?

You absolutely can! That’s the beauty of a simple No Yeast Cinnamon Bread; we have easy fixes. While buttermilk is great because the acid reacts a little bit with the baking soda to give you an extra lift and tenderness, regular milk will work just fine. Just mix your regular milk with a half teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for five minutes until it looks a little curdled, and then use it exactly where the recipe calls for buttermilk. It mimics that wonderful tang perfectly!

How do I make the cinnamon swirl even thicker in my Easy Cinnamon Swirl Loaf?

If you want those seriously thick, gorgeous ribbons of cinnamon sugar—and who doesn’t?—you have two simple options. You can slightly reduce the melted butter in the swirl mixture by about one tablespoon. Less liquid equals a thicker, pastier swirl that holds its shape better. Alternatively, you can add an extra tablespoon of the brown sugar/cinnamon mix to the swirl. Just be careful not to over-swirl it in the pan, or you’ll end up mixing it into the batter instead of creating distinct lanes!

Can I freeze this No Yeast Cinnamon Bread?

Yes! This freezes beautifully, which is great if you bake a loaf but know you won’t eat it all before it gets a little stale. Once the loaf is completely cool—and I mean totally cooled, no heat lingering!—wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap, and then put that wrapped loaf inside a large zip-top freezer bag. It’s great for up to three months. When you’re ready for it, just let it thaw on the counter, or warm a slice up in the microwave for about 15 seconds, just like I mentioned before. It tastes freshly baked, I promise!

Baking Quick Bread Recipes Comfort Food: Share Your Creations

That’s it, friend—you now have the keys to making the most comforting, soft, and swirl-tastic cinnamon bread around! I really hope you love this as much as my family does. I always feel that rush of happiness when I see someone else enjoying my recipes! You can always find more of my go-to bakes and favorite ideas over on my main blog page!

If you make this loaf, please come back here and let me know how it turned out! Drop a star rating below, or better yet, tag me on social media with your beautiful Quick Bread Recipes Comfort Food creations! Happy baking!

Easy Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread: Soft and Moist Homemade Treat

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Welcome to my kitchen! This recipe delivers a soft, moist cinnamon bread with a beautiful swirl, perfect for beginners. It uses no yeast, making it a quick and comforting treat for breakfast or a snack.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 60 min
• Total Time: 75 min
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 servings) 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice added)
• For the Swirl: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Prepare the swirl filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon until combined.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the melted butter over the batter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
8. Gently spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top, followed by the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together a few times to create ribbons. Do not over-swirl.
10. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• For an extra sweet topping, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
• If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• This moist cinnamon quick bread makes a wonderful homemade cinnamon bread gift when wrapped nicely.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg