If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon and the tender crumb of a perfectly moist quick bread, then you are going to absolutely adore this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe. This delightful loaf features a luscious vanilla-flavored batter and a thick, fudgy ribbon of cinnamon-sugar swirled gracefully inside. Every slice delivers just the right amount of sweetness, spice, and softness—making it the ultimate treat for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet ending to your day. Its simplicity and comforting flavors make it one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There are two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left has a thick, smooth light beige creamy mixture with a red-tipped spatula resting inside it. The bowl on the right has a dry mix of light brown powder with some white specks; a silver spoon is partially dipped in the powder, creating a small swirl. Both bowls show clear texture contrasts between creamy and powdery contents. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe is carefully chosen to contribute something special—whether it’s moisture, texture, or that deep, cinnamon-sugary goodness. Using simple pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to create this crowd-pleaser in no time!

Granulated sugar: Divided into two portions, some for the batter’s sweetness and some for the cinnamon swirl-wow factor.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that creates that irresistible cinnamon swirl and warm flavor.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread providing structure and tenderness.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures your bread rises nicely and stays fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture, making the crumb soft and tender.
Vegetable oil: Contributes to the bread’s moist texture without overpowering flavor.
Full-fat sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Brings a subtle tang and extra moistness to your bread.
Large egg: Acts as a binder while enriching the texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your beautiful batter is ready to bake. Spray a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray so your quick bread releases easily once baked. Trust me, this little step saves a lot of frustration later!

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This mixture forms a thick, cinnamon-sweet ribbon inside the bread that gives each slice a magical swirled look and intense flavor—don’t skip this part, it’s the heart of the recipe.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mixing dry ingredients first distributes them evenly for a balanced batter that bakes up with perfect texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk 3/4 cup granulated sugar with whole milk, vegetable oil, sour cream, 1 large egg, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Make sure your milk, sour cream, and egg are at room temperature to help all ingredients come together smoothly without curdling or seizing.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently whisk just until combined. The batter should be thick and creamy, so avoid over-mixing to keep it tender and light. Overworking the batter can make your bread dense and heavy, and nobody wants that.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour about half the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle nearly all the cinnamon-sugar mixture over that layer for a bold swirl. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top—this may stick a bit to the cinnamon-sugar, so use a spoon gently to smooth it out. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar on top. Using a knife, create one big swirl from top to bottom, just enough to blend the flavors beautifully without mixing everything together.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 50 to 65 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid over-browning. About halfway through, tent the loaf loosely with foil. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when done. Let the bread cool in the pan for an hour before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set perfectly so those swirls stay defined.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

The image shows two slices of a loaf cake on a white marbled surface, placed on a metal cooling rack. Each slice reveals two layers inside: a dense, light brown cake layer with a soft texture and a dark brown cinnamon swirl running through the middle, creating a contrast. The cake's crust is golden brown and slightly crisp. One slice is fully visible in the center, while the edge of the other slice is partly shown at the top right. A green cloth is slightly visible in the lower-left corner of the image. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A drizzle of simple vanilla icing or a dusting of powdered sugar on top elevates this quick bread to a café-worthy treat. Fresh berries or a spread of butter also pair beautifully for added flavor and indulgence.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of steaming coffee or chai tea, perfect for cozy mornings. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced bite that satisfies every craving.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the quick bread thick and toasting it lightly for an afternoon pick-me-up. You can even turn your Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe into muffins or mini loaves for gatherings or gifts—just adjust baking time accordingly and watch it become an instant favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This ensures it stays moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooled slices or the entire loaf by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving or gently warm it up for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, pop slices in the toaster or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Adding a little butter melts into the cinnamon swirls and elevates each bite—pure comfort every time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour in this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe?

While all-purpose flour works best to give the bread structure and tenderness, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just substitute up to half and expect a slightly denser texture.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt are excellent substitutes that will keep the bread moist and add a subtle tang.

Can this recipe be made into muffins?

Absolutely! Just spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. The cinnamon swirl adds a delightful surprise when you bite into one.

Is it okay if I don’t have whole milk?

You can use 2% milk or even a dairy-free milk alternative, but whole milk adds extra richness and helps keep the bread soft and tender.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or plump raisins, will add texture and flavor. Fold 1/2 cup of your choice into the batter just before layering.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe is truly one of those gems that brings warmth and happiness to any table with minimal effort. Whether you bake it as a loaf or muffins, its tender crumb and heavenly cinnamon ribbon promise smiles in every bite. Give it a try and soon you’ll find it’s your go-to for those moments when you want something sweet, satisfying, and made with love.