Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Featured in Oven-Fresh Breads.

This easy quick bread combines a tender, moist crumb with a sweet cinnamon-nut swirl. It's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert and requires no yeast or proofing time.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:28:56 GMT
A loaf of marble cake topped with chopped walnuts is displayed on a wooden cutting board. Pin it
A loaf of marble cake topped with chopped walnuts is displayed on a wooden cutting board. | recipesim.com

My Cozy Cinnamon Nut Bread

There's something so special about the smell of cinnamon bread baking in my kitchen. I've perfected this recipe over countless Sunday mornings and it never fails to bring my family running downstairs. The swirl of cinnamon and nuts creates this gorgeous pattern that makes every slice look as wonderful as it tastes.

So Simple Yet So Good

I love how this bread comes together in just minutes. No waiting for yeast to rise no kneading just mix pour and bake. The hardest part is honestly waiting for it to cool before slicing. That crunchy cinnamon nut topping gets all caramelized while baking creating this incredible sweet crust on top.

What You'll Need

  • Flour: Regular all-purpose is perfect here.
  • Sugar: Just simple granulated sugar does the trick.
  • Cinnamon: Make sure it's fresh for the best flavor.
  • Walnuts: I toast mine first but pecans work beautifully too.
  • Butter: Let it soften on your counter.
  • Eggs: Bring them to room temperature.
  • Milk: Whole milk makes it extra rich.
  • Baking powder: Check that it's fresh.
  • Salt: Just a pinch enhances everything.

Let's Make It Together

Get Ready
First prep your pan I like using parchment for easy lifting.
Sweet Topping
Mix up that cinnamon sugar and nuts it smells amazing already.
Mix the Batter
Keep your wet and dry ingredients separate then combine them gently.
Layer of Love
Create those beautiful swirls by layering batter and topping.
Time to Bake
Pop it in the oven and let the magic happen for about an hour.
A freshly baked loaf cake with a cinnamon swirl and nut topping, sliced and presented on a wooden board with a checkered blue and white cloth. Pin it
A freshly baked loaf cake with a cinnamon swirl and nut topping, sliced and presented on a wooden board with a checkered blue and white cloth. | recipesim.com

Serving Tips

The hardest part is waiting for it to cool but trust me it's worth it. I love warming slices slightly before serving. It stays fresh on my counter for three days though it rarely lasts that long. If you need it to last longer pop it in the fridge.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in pecans when I run out of walnuts. Adding plump raisins makes it extra special. When I'm feeling indulgent I stir in some sour cream for an incredibly moist loaf. Brown sugar in the topping gives it a deeper caramel flavor my kids absolutely love.

Try These Too

If you end up loving this bread as much as my family does try my lemon blueberry version next. The pumpkin bread is perfect for fall and my cinnamon sour cream bread has this incredible tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called quick bread?

Quick breads use baking powder or soda instead of yeast for leavening. This means no waiting for dough to rise and a much faster baking process.

→ Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, this bread freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

→ How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick near the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.

→ Can I make this without nuts?

Yes, you can skip the nuts entirely and just use the cinnamon sugar swirl. The bread will still be delicious with a nice texture.

→ How should I store this bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.

Cinnamon Nut Quick Bread

A moist and tender quick bread with a swirl of cinnamon sugar and nuts throughout. No yeast needed and perfect any time of day.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes

Category: Homemade Breads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided.
02 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
03 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
04 2 cups all-purpose flour.
05 2 teaspoons baking powder.
06 1/2 teaspoon salt.
07 1 egg.
08 1 cup milk.
09 1/3 cup vegetable oil.
10 1/2 cup sour cream.
11 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the inside of a 1 pound (8.5x8.4) loaf pan with baking spray.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of sugar, chopped walnuts, and the cinnamon.

Step 03

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 04

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract.

Step 05

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined. Batter may be slightly lumpy.

Step 06

Add half of the batter to prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon mixture. Top with remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.

Step 07

Use a butterknife to make one quick swirl through the batter to give your bread a marbled look.

Step 08

Bake for 60 to 67 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cover with foil halfway through if top browns too quickly.

Step 09

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to serve.

Notes

  1. Can use pecans instead of walnuts or omit nuts entirely.
  2. Cover with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

Tools You'll Need

  • Loaf pan.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.
  • Tree nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 341
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49 g
  • Protein: 5 g