There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked bread filling your home. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delicious homemade gift, this Cinnamon Roll Bread Loaf is the perfect choice.
Imagine the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls, but in an easy-to-slice loaf form. This recipe takes everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and turns it into a beautifully swirled bread loaf that’s perfect with a cup of coffee, toasted with butter, or enjoyed straight from the oven.
If you love homemade baked goods, this cinnamon swirl bread will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into this simple and satisfying recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Bread Loaf
- Perfect for Beginners – Easier than making individual cinnamon rolls.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture – Light and airy with a buttery crumb.
- Rich Cinnamon Flavor – A warm, sweet-spiced swirl in every slice.
- Versatile and Delicious – Enjoy it plain, toasted, or topped with icing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious homemade cinnamon bread.
For the Dough
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Warm water (105-115°F) | ¼ cup |
| Active dry yeast | 2¼ teaspoons |
| Warm milk (100-115°F) | ¾ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ¼ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 3¾ cups |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ teaspoons |
| Granulated sugar | 6 tablespoons |
| Melted butter | ¼ cup |
For Finishing
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Melted butter | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and activated.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, egg, softened butter, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the Yeast Mixture
- Pour the activated yeast into the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Add the Flour and Knead the Dough
- Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- When the dough becomes too difficult to stir, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise (Proofing the Dough)
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar.
- Set aside melted butter for brushing.
7. Shape the Loaf
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air.
- Roll it out into a rectangle (about 9×12 inches).
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface.
8. Roll the Dough into a Loaf
- Starting from the short side, tightly roll the dough into a loaf shape.
- Pinch the seam to seal and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
9. Second Rise
- Cover with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
10. Bake the Loaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the top with 1 tablespoon melted butter for a golden crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Cool and Serve
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy your homemade cinnamon roll bread!
How to Enjoy Cinnamon Roll Bread Loaf
1. Freshly Baked
- Enjoy warm straight from the oven for the softest texture.
2. Toasted with Butter
- Toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese for a heavenly breakfast.
3. Drizzled with Glaze
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a sweet glaze. Drizzle over the loaf for a dessert-like treat.
4. Used for French Toast
- Slice thick pieces and dip in eggy batter to make cinnamon swirl French toast.
Health Benefits of Homemade Cinnamon Bread
1. No Preservatives
Homemade bread is free from artificial ingredients, making it a healthier choice.
2. A Good Source of Fiber
Using all-purpose flour provides some fiber, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for extra nutrients.
3. Cinnamon’s Health Benefits
Cinnamon is known to help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidants.
4. Lower Sugar Content
Unlike store-bought cinnamon bread, this homemade version allows you to control the amount of sugar used.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Use the same amount but skip the activation step.
3. Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for extra texture.
4. How do I store leftover cinnamon bread?
Wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
6. Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
Check if your yeast is fresh and make sure the dough is in a warm place during proofing.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Cinnamon Roll Bread Loaf is a sweet, fluffy, and irresistible twist on classic cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, it’s a recipe that everyone will love.