Cinnamon Roll Bread Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread

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Tired of complicated breakfast recipes that leave your kitchen in disarray? This Cinnamon Roll Bread delivers all the warm, swirling goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls but in a convenient, sliceable loaf form. As someone who’s been perfecting quick bread recipes for over a decade, I can promise you this: each slice offers the perfect balance of tender bread, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and a sweet glaze that will make your morning absolutely magical.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting quality ingredients, mastering the swirl technique, and achieving that perfect texture every time. You’ll also discover helpful storage tips, serving suggestions, and creative variations to keep this recipe in your regular rotation.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Bread Works

  • No yeast or rising time required—perfect for busy mornings
  • Achieves the classic cinnamon roll flavor with half the effort
  • Stays moist for days (if it lasts that long!)
  • Makes your home smell absolutely heavenly
  • Great for meal prep—slice and freeze for quick breakfasts

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Best Flour for Cinnamon Roll Bread

All-purpose flour creates the perfect texture, providing structure without becoming too dense. For a lighter version, substitute up to ½ cup with whole wheat pastry flour, but avoid using all whole wheat as it will make your bread too heavy.

Sugar Selection

Granulated sugar works perfectly in the base batter, while brown sugar creates that caramelized cinnamon filling we all crave. Dark brown sugar will give you a deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works beautifully too.

Dairy Considerations

Full-fat sour cream adds moisture and tenderness that makes this bread special. You can substitute Greek yogurt in a pinch, but the slight tanginess of sour cream balances the sweetness perfectly.

Ingredients & Prep

Bread Batter Essentials

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Filling

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Simple Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing Your Pan

Properly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal. This ensures your beautiful swirled bread won’t stick.

Making the Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing will create a tough bread.

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. Spread half the batter in your prepared loaf pan.
  3. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
  4. Dollop remaining batter on top and spread carefully.
  5. Add remaining cinnamon mixture and use a knife to create swirls throughout the batter.

Baking to Perfection

  1. Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  2. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  3. Once completely cool (about 1 hour), drizzle with glaze.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bread

Avoiding Dry Bread

Don’t overbake! Start checking at the 45-minute mark—the center should still be slightly moist when you remove it from the oven as it will continue cooking while cooling.

Tool Recommendations

A stand mixer makes mixing the batter easier, but isn’t necessary. For the perfect swirl, use a thin knife or skewer to drag through the batter without overmixing the layers.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Flavor Variations

Nutty Additions

Fold ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Fruit-Infused

Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries or diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Cream Cheese Filling

Create a cream cheese layer by mixing 4 ounces softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar and 1 egg yolk, then spreading between batter layers for a cheesecake-inspired version.

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Roll Bread makes a stunning centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch spread. Serve warm slices alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a simple weekend breakfast. For a more indulgent treat, warm a slice and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Coffee pairings are essential—try a medium roast coffee with caramel notes or chai tea to complement the cinnamon flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the bread up to 24 hours in advance, but add the glaze just before serving for the best presentation.

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

This is a quick bread recipe, not a yeast bread, so it’s not suitable for a bread machine. The manual mixing preserves the swirl effect.

Why did my bread crack on top?

A crack on top is completely normal for quick breads and actually indicates a nice rise. Embrace it as part of the rustic charm!

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Double all ingredients and divide between two loaf pans. Baking time remains the same.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Bread brings together the best of both worlds—the irresistible flavor of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a quick bread. Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this recipe delivers consistent results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Join the thousands of home bakers who’ve made this their go-to cinnamon treat! Once you’ve mastered this recipe, be sure to try our Apple Cinnamon Bread or Pumpkin Swirl Bread for seasonal variations that are equally delicious.