Amazing 1-Bowl Cinnamon Bread Joy

Oh, you are in for such a treat today! If your kitchen needs a serious dose of cozy charm, we’re making the absolute best cinnamon bread you can imagine. I know “bread” sounds intimidating, but trust me—this is my favorite kind of baking magic because it’s an Easy Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread. That means absolutely zero waiting around for yeast to bloom! When I first started finding joy in the kitchen, it was these no-fuss recipes that built my confidence. There’s something about pulling a warm, buttery, spice-scented loaf out of the oven that instantly melts away stress. Because this uses the reliable quick bread method, you get guaranteed results every single time, which is exactly what we aim for here at Pure Cooking Joy.

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If you want to know more about my journey from stressed-out corporate life to finding peace with a whisk in my hand, you can always check out my full story.

Why This Is the Best Cinnamon Bread Recipe for Quick Comfort

I’m telling you, this is the ultimate way to satisfy that craving for warm, spiced carbs without committing half the day to rising times. This cinnamon bread checks all the boxes for pure comfort food that fits perfectly into a busy week. I always recommend this recipe when people are looking for delicious comfort food baking inspiration.

• It delivers those gorgeous, decadent ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout.
• It’s ready to bake in less time than a trip to the grocery store!
• The texture is unbelievably soft and buttery.

No Yeast Required for This Quick Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This is where the magic happens for busy mornings. Since we’re using baking soda as our lift, we skip the whole yeast ritual—no kneading, no waiting for the dough to double in size. It makes this a fantastic, stress-free bake and definitely one of my top recommendations for a Simple Bread for Beginners. You mix it up, pour it in the pan, and bake. That’s it!

Achieving a Truly Moist Cinnamon Loaf

Nobody wants dry bread, right? That’s why I love using buttermilk here. It keeps the crumb tender, working hand-in-hand with the softened butter to ensure every slice tastes like a wonderful, Soft Baked Sweet Bread. It stays moist for days, assuming it lasts that long in your house!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Cinnamon Bread

Let’s talk supplies! To get that perfect cinnamon bread texture and flavor, you need to gather everything before you turn on that mixer. As always on my site, clarity is key, so I want to make sure you have the right consistency for ingredients like butter—it needs to be soft, but not melty. This isn’t a hard list to shop for, but precise measurements make all the difference in quick breads.

Essential Dry and Wet Components

First up, let’s assemble the main batter. For the dry stuff, you’ll grab 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Make sure you whisk those together! For the wet side, we need 1 cup of granulated sugar (save the rest for the swirl!), 1 stick (that’s 1/2 cup) of softened unsalted butter, 2 eggs, that little splash of vanilla extract, and the buttermilk. If you’re out of buttermilk, don’t panic! Just take a half cup of regular milk and stir in a half teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, then let it sit for about five minutes. It will curdle up perfectly for us.

Crafting the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Recipe

This swirl is what makes this loaf sing! You’ll mix the remaining sugar—we need 1/4 cup of granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar. Brown sugar is essential here for that gooey richness. Then, stir in an extra tablespoon of ground cinnamon. That’s the concentrated flavor punch that makes those ribbons so beautiful and delicious when it bakes up.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Homemade Bread

Okay, now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get this amazing cinnamon bread into the oven! Remember, baking bread doesn’t have to be a marathon; this quick method shows you how to build flavor and texture efficiently. We’re working fast here, so have that 9×5 inch loaf pan greased and floured before you even turn on the mixer! If you want to brush up on general baking principles before we dive in, check out my main guide on baking bread.

Mixing the Batter and Preparing the Pan

First thing is setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, go ahead into a medium bowl and whisk together your dry mixture: flour, baking soda, salt, and that first teaspoon of cinnamon. Set that aside. Now, the big step: In your large bowl, cream that softened butter with almost all the sugar (save that last 1/4 cup for the swirl!). Beat it until it’s light and fluffy—this might take a minute or two, but it’s important because it whips air into the base of our Moist Cinnamon Loaf. Once it looks pale, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. When you combine the dry and wet parts, you absolutely must alternate them with the buttermilk. Remember my rule? Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix it just until it disappears. Please, please, please do not overmix at this stage, or your Easy Homemade Bread will turn out tough instead of tender!

Layering and Creating the Cinnamon Swirl

Time for the best part! While you were mixing the batter, you should have whipped up that simple swirl filling using the remaining sugars and the extra cinnamon. Now, pour about half of your beautiful, thick batter into that prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture right over the top. Now, gently dollop the rest of the batter over that first layer, and then sprinkle on the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Don’t just leave it sitting on top! Take a knife or a skewer and gently draw it through the topping a few times to create those gorgeous ribbons. This layering is what gives you that stunning Quick Cinnamon Swirl Bread look when you slice into it later.

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Baking Times and Cooling for the Warm Spiced Loaf

Now for the patience part! Slide that pan of cinnamon bread gently into your preheated 350°F oven. It usually takes about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer inserted right into the center comes out clean—no wet batter clinging to it! Once it’s out, let that Warm Spiced Loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Here’s my little secret: While it’s still hot right after coming out, brush the top lightly with a little melted butter. It sinks right in and gives the crust an extra boost of softness!

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Tips for Success with Your Cinnamon Bread

Baking this cinnamon bread should be fun, not frustrating! My goal is always to make sure you feel super confident when you pull this out of the oven. Since this is a quick bread, the timing is key to avoiding those classic pitfalls that can make a beautiful loaf collapse or dry out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your loaf sinks in the middle dramatically, you likely overmixed the batter after adding the flour. Remember, we want *just* combined, not smooth as silk! That’s the number one reason for dense spots. If your final loaf feels a little dry, it probably baked for too long, even if the skewer looked okay. Next time, try checking it at the 50-minute mark. Also, don’t forget this loaf makes a fantastic edible present! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and tie it with a nice ribbon; it’s truly one of the best homemade gifts food options for neighbors.

Serving Suggestions for Breakfast Bread Ideas

Once your cinnamon bread has cooled completely—and I know that’s the hardest part—it’s time to enjoy it! This Soft Baked Sweet Bread truly shines when served simply. For a perfect brunch centerpiece, try slicing it thick and serving it alongside some fruit salad. Honestly, though, the absolute best way to enjoy a slice with your morning coffee is topped with some homemade sweet goodness. You HAVE to try layering it with my recipe for easy cinnamon butter. It melts right into those swirls! If you happen to have leftovers, this loaf is amazing cubed and turned into French toast casseroles, so be sure to check out my cinnamon sugar French toast muffins for inspiration.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Keeping your beautiful Buttery Cinnamon Bread fresh is easy, but you have to be careful not to dry out that soft crumb. For the best texture, store the cooled loaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap—or even pop it into an airtight container—right on your counter at room temperature. Since this is a quick bread and has that good fat content, it stays lovely for three to four days.

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When you’re ready for a slice, if you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, I recommend popping a piece in the microwave for just 10 to 15 seconds. If you prefer a crispier edge, a quick toast works wonders too! Avoid refrigerating it, as that tends to make quick breads taste stale quicker.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

I get so many wonderful comments and messages after people bake this loaf, and often I see the same few questions pop up! It’s great that you’re all enthusiastic about making this cinnamon bread. Here are the answers to the most common things I hear!

Can I make this cinnamon bread with yeast?

That’s a great question! This specific recipe is designed to be a super quick loaf—it’s a no yeast cinnamon bread because we rely on baking soda and buttermilk for the lift. If you’re looking for a classic, yeasted swirl loaf that requires rising time, I can certainly point you in that direction later if you ask in the comments! But for right now, stick with the baking soda for guaranteed success.

How can I make this recipe into Costco Style Cinnamon Bread?

Oh, I totally get the craving for that famous bakery loaf! If you want to take this moist cinnamon loaf and give it that classic glossy top, you just need a simple glaze. Mix about 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or cream, if you’re feeling fancy) and a tiny drop of vanilla. Whisk it together until it’s smooth and drizzle it over the completely cooled bread. That’s the trick for the authentic-looking finish!

What is the best way to slice this moist cinnamon loaf?

This is important because that beautiful swirl likes to separate if you rush it! You absolutely must let this bread cool down completely on the wire rack—and I mean cooled to room temperature—before you try to slice it. If you cut it while it’s even a little warm, you’ll squish down the soft crumb, and that glorious swirl will end up messy instead of perfectly defined. Patience pays off here, I promise!

If you bake up a loaf and have questions while you’re working, feel free to drop me a note on my Facebook page!

Share Your Cinnamon Bread Baking Experience

Now that you’ve had a chance to try this cinnamon bread, I truly want to hear what you think! Getting food from my kitchen to yours is only half the journey; the real joy comes when I see what you create and hear how it brought a moment of peace or happiness to your day.

Did you try the buttermilk substitute? Did your swirl come out perfectly defined, or did it get a little mysterious looking (that’s okay, it still tasted amazing, I’m sure!)? Please drop a rating for the recipe right below the instructions. And if you took a picture of your beautiful, soft baked loaf, I would absolutely love to see it! You can always tag me on social media or send me a note through my contact page. Sharing what we make is what food is all about, so let’s keep the good vibes—and the delicious spicy aromas—coming!

Easy Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

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This recipe creates a soft, moist cinnamon bread with rich, buttery cinnamon sugar ribbons throughout. It is a no-yeast quick bread, making it simple for any home cook.

• Author: purejoyalex
• 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 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon extra ground cinnamon for the swirl

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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 ground cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds texture.
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 mixture. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix the batter.
6. Prepare the cinnamon swirl filling: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, and the extra 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer.
8. Top with the remaining batter, and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the topping into the batter a few times.
9. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. 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 moist loaf, you can brush the top with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
• 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 bread makes a great homemade gift when wrapped in plastic wrap and tied with a ribbon.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 22
• Sodium: 250
• Fat: 14
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 38
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 4
• Cholesterol: 65