This Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread is the perfect combination of cinnamon sweetness and the soft texture of a quick bread. It has a delicious cinnamon swirl throughout and is topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, mimicking the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls but in a quick bread form. It’s easy to make and a wonderful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy but fully incorporated.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together until it forms a smooth paste.
6. Assemble the Bread
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the top and repeat the swirling process with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
7. Bake the Bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the bread starts browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
8. Cool the Bread
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.
9. Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
10. Glaze the Bread
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Cinnamon Swirl Tip: For a more pronounced swirl, drop the cinnamon mixture in larger spoonfuls and swirl it more deeply into the batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially the egg and butter, helps the bread bake evenly and gives it a better texture.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Variations for Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread
1. Pecan Cinnamon Bread
- Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl mixture for a crunchy, nutty variation of the bread.
2. Cream Cheese Swirl
- For a rich twist, add a cream cheese layer by combining 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Swirl it into the batter along with the cinnamon mixture.
3. Apple Cinnamon Bread
- Mix in 1 cup of finely diced apples into the batter for a fruity, cinnamon-flavored bread with chunks of tender apples throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! This bread keeps well, so you can bake it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re making it for a special occasion, you can also add the glaze just before serving for maximum freshness.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bread (without glaze) for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! Simply divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin.
A Sweet and Simple Treat
This Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread is an easy and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of cinnamon rolls without the extra effort of rolling dough. The soft, fluffy bread, combined with a sweet cinnamon swirl and topped with a vanilla glaze, makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this quick bread will quickly become a favorite
