The Best 10 Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipes You Need To Try Today

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon swirl bread wafting through your kitchen. That perfect spiral of sweet, spicy cinnamon nestled between layers of soft, pillowy bread creates an irresistible treat that’s equally delightful for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your bread-making journey, cinnamon swirl bread offers the perfect blend of simple ingredients with impressive results.

Today, I’m sharing my ten favorite cinnamon swirl bread recipes that span from traditional loaves to creative variations like banana bread cinnamon rolls and sourdough creations. Each recipe has been tested in my kitchen multiple times and perfected for home bakers like you. I’ve included options for different skill levels, dietary preferences, and even a bread machine cinnamon rolls recipe for those who prefer a hands-off approach.

Let’s dive into these warm, cozy recipes that will fill your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon and make everyone eager to gather around your table!

01 Classic Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Want to try the full version with all the exact steps and tips?
Check out the full recipe here: Classic Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This classic cinnamon swirl bread recipe creates the perfect balance of tender crumb and sweet cinnamon filling. It’s the foundation recipe that every home baker should master, with a beautiful swirl that looks impressive but is actually quite simple to achieve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the warm milk, butter, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 3 minutes.
3. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
4. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 18×10-inch rectangle.
7. Mix cinnamon and sugar for filling. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
8. Starting with a short side, roll up tightly. Pinch seam and ends to seal.
9. Place seam side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
10. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

The secret to a beautiful swirl in your cinnamon swirl bread is rolling the dough tightly and evenly. This creates those picture-perfect spirals that make this bread so impressive when sliced.

02 Quick Cinnamon Swirl Bread (No Yeast Required)

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Check out the full recipe here: Quick Cinnamon Swirl Bread (No Yeast Required)

Don’t have time for a yeast-risen bread? This quick cinnamon swirl bread uses baking powder instead, making it similar to a cinnamon-infused quick bread. It’s perfect for those last-minute breakfast needs or when you’re craving cinnamon swirl bread without the wait.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

For the swirl:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Quick Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, mix sugar, egg, milk, vanilla, and oil until well combined.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just mixed.
5. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for the swirl mixture.
6. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture and drizzle with half the melted butter.
7. Add remaining batter and top with remaining cinnamon-sugar and butter.
8. Use a knife to swirl the mixture through the batter with a figure-eight motion.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

What I love about this quick version is how it captures the essence of traditional cinnamon swirl bread but fits into even the busiest schedule. The texture is more cake-like than a yeasted bread, but the flavor is spot-on.

03 Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe – A Traditional Favorite

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Check out the full recipe here: Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This Amish cinnamon bread recipe has been passed down through generations and remains a beloved classic. Unlike the traditional rolled cinnamon swirl bread, this Amish version uses a unique method of layering the batter and cinnamon sugar for a more rustic, marbled effect.

What Makes Amish Cinnamon Bread Special

The Amish cinnamon bread recipe stands out for its simplicity and the warm, homey flavor that comes from generous amounts of cinnamon and the tender crumb achieved through proper mixing techniques. Traditional Amish baking emphasizes high-quality, simple ingredients and careful attention to process rather than shortcuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the bread:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk or 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

For the cinnamon sugar mixture:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Amish Bread Baking Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and mix well.
4. Add buttermilk, flour, and baking soda. Stir just until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, mix 2/3 cup sugar and cinnamon.
6. Pour 1/4 of the batter into each greased loaf pan.
7. Sprinkle 1/4 of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over batter in each pan.
8. Add remaining batter to the pans, then top with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

The Amish cinnamon bread tradition often includes sharing starter batter with friends, creating a “friendship bread” chain. This community aspect reflects the Amish values of connection and giving, making this recipe not just delicious but meaningful.

04 Cinnamon Banana Bread – Two Classics Combined

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Check out the full recipe here: Cinnamon Banana Bread

When you combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon swirl bread with the moist, fruity goodness of banana bread, you get this incredible cinnamon banana bread hybrid. It’s perfect for using up those overripe bananas while satisfying your cinnamon cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the banana bread:

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the cinnamon swirl:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Make Cinnamon Banana Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas with melted butter.
3. Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla.
4. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir in.
5. Add flour and mix just until combined.
6. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar for the swirl.
7. Pour half the banana bread batter into the prepared pan.
8. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
9. Add remaining batter, then top with remaining cinnamon-sugar.
10. Use a butter knife to swirl the mixture through the batter.
11. Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.

The banana gives this cinnamon swirl bread incredible moisture while complementing the warm spice flavors. It’s a breakfast bread that doubles as dessert and stays fresh for days—if it lasts that long!

05 Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls – Effortless Swirled Perfection

Want to try the full version with all the exact steps and tips?
Check out the full recipe here: Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

While technically rolls rather than a loaf, these bread machine cinnamon rolls capture all the swirled goodness of cinnamon swirl bread in individual servings. Using a bread machine for the dough makes this recipe practically foolproof.

Ingredients for Easy Bread Machine Dough

For the dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the icing:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Bread Machine Method

1. Add dough ingredients to the bread machine in the order recommended by your machine’s manufacturer.
2. Set to dough cycle and start the machine.
3. When cycle is complete, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Roll into a 16×21-inch rectangle.
5. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll up dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 rolls.
7. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving room to rise.
8. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden.
10. While rolls are baking, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt for icing.
11. Spread icing over warm rolls before serving.

Using the bread machine for the dough gives you perfect texture without the effort of kneading by hand. It’s the ideal way to enjoy bread machine cinnamon rolls without sacrificing quality or that homemade touch.

06 Cinnamon Sourdough Bread – Tangy Twist on a Classic

Want to try the full version with all the exact steps and tips?
Check out the full recipe here: Cinnamon Sourdough Bread

For sourdough enthusiasts, this cinnamon sourdough bread recipe combines the complex flavor of natural fermentation with sweet cinnamon swirls. The result is a bread with incredible depth that makes exceptional toast.

Sourdough Starter Requirements

• 100g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
• 300g all-purpose flour
• 100g whole wheat flour
• 275g water
• 10g salt
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the filling:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Sourdough Cinnamon Bread Method

1. In a large bowl, combine active starter with water and honey, mixing well.
2. Add flours and mix until no dry flour remains. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add salt and work it into the dough with wet hands.
4. Perform 3-4 sets of stretch and folds at 30-minute intervals.
5. Allow the dough to bulk ferment until nearly doubled, about 4-6 hours depending on room temperature.
6. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a rectangle.
7. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
8. Brush dough with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture, leaving a 1-inch border.
9. Roll tightly from the short end and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
10. Cover and let rise for 2-3 hours, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
11. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
12. Cool completely before slicing.

The tangy notes from the sourdough starter create a beautiful contrast with the sweet cinnamon filling. This cinnamon sourdough bread has a more complex flavor profile than traditional cinnamon swirl bread and stays fresh longer thanks to the natural fermentation process.

07 Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe – A Timeless Combination

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Check out the full recipe here: Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

This cinnamon raisin bread recipe adds plump, juicy raisins to the classic cinnamon swirl for added texture and natural sweetness. It’s a breakfast staple that’s been beloved for generations.

What You’ll Need

For the dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup raisins

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Creating Perfect Cinnamon Raisin Bread

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, butter, and egg. Beat until smooth.
3. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
4. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. In a small bowl, soak raisins in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
7. Punch down dough and roll into a 16×8-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Spread butter over dough and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Sprinkle soaked and drained raisins evenly over the cinnamon-sugar.
10. Roll up tightly from a short side. Pinch seam to seal.
11. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
12. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

The key to perfect cinnamon raisin bread is plumping the raisins before adding them to the dough. This prevents them from drawing moisture from the bread during baking and ensures they’re juicy in every bite.

08 Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls – Breakfast Meets Dessert

Want to try the full version with all the exact steps and tips?
Check out the full recipe here: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These banana bread cinnamon rolls transform the flavors of banana bread into a spiral-shaped treat with all the gooey goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Banana Bread Rolls Method

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
5. Knead on a floured surface for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
7. Roll dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts if using.
9. Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 rolls.
10. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
12. While rolls are baking, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt for frosting.
13. Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.

These banana bread cinnamon rolls combine two favorite breakfast treats in one indulgent package. The banana in the dough adds moisture and complements the cinnamon beautifully, while giving the rolls a subtle fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with cream cheese frosting.

09 Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread – Everyone Can Enjoy

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Check out the full recipe here: Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This gluten-free cinnamon swirl bread recipe ensures everyone can enjoy the comforts of homemade bread with those beautiful cinnamon spirals, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Gluten-Free Flour Blend Recommendation

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup tapioca starch

For the bread:

• Above flour mixture
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter or dairy-free alternative, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or dairy-free alternative, melted

Gluten-Free Adaptation Method

1. Combine gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, tapioca starch, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer for 3 minutes.
4. The dough will be more like a thick batter than traditional bread dough – this is normal.
5. Transfer to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes until puffy.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F.
7. For the filling, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
8. After the initial rise, use a spatula to create a trench down the middle of the dough.
9. Brush the trench with melted butter and fill with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
10. Use a knife to swirl the filling into the dough with figure-eight motions.
11. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 205°F.
12. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.

While gluten-free bread can be challenging, this recipe creates a loaf with excellent texture and flavor. The key is using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that already contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure in the absence of gluten.

10 Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Bread – Plant-Based Perfection

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Check out the full recipe here: Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This vegan cinnamon swirl bread proves you don’t need animal products to create a soft, tender loaf with perfect cinnamon spirals. It’s ideal for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking to reduce animal products in their baking.

Plant-Based Ingredients

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)
• 1/4 cup melted vegan butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces eggs)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter

Vegan Baking Method

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm plant milk, melted vegan butter, applesauce, and vanilla. Mix well.
3. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
4. Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. Punch down dough and roll into a 16×8-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
7. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon for filling.
8. Brush dough with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Roll up tightly from a short side and pinch seam to seal.
10. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
12. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack