Cinnamon Swirl Heritage Bread

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Cinnamon Swirl Heritage Bread is a delightful take on classic homemade bread, combining the comforting aroma of cinnamon with the joy of baking from scratch. This recipe is perfect for those cozy mornings when you crave something special yet straightforward to make.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Heritage Bread

The base of this bread is built on all-purpose flour, which provides the right structure and texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough, while active dry yeast gives it the necessary rise and lightness. Salt enhances all the flavors, keeping the sweetness in check.

Whole milk lends richness and moisture, ensuring the bread remains soft. Unsalted butter, melted into the mix, adds a buttery richness. The eggs act as a binder and add to the softness of the crumb. For the filling, ground cinnamon and light brown sugar create the signature swirl that’s both fragrant and delicious.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
  • If kneading by hand feels too sticky, lightly flour your hands — but don’t overdo it.
  • For a neater swirl, roll the dough tightly and evenly.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the bread for cleaner cuts.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is delightful on its own but can be elevated with a simple spread of butter or cream cheese. For a special treat, try it toasted and topped with a drizzle of honey. It also pairs wonderfully with a bowl of warm soup or as a sweet sandwich with peanut butter and banana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can. Just skip the activation step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can use any milk you have on hand, though whole milk adds a richer texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Cinnamon Swirl Heritage Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining 2 cups of flour with sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your dough. Next, gently warm the milk, ensuring it’s just above lukewarm, not hot — this helps activate the yeast without killing it. Add the milk to the dry mix along with melted butter and eggs, stirring until you have a smooth batter.

Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, working it into the mix until the dough becomes soft and a bit sticky. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. This kneading time is crucial; it develops gluten for structure, resulting in a smooth, elastic dough.

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size. Once risen, roll the dough out to a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Mix the cinnamon with the brown sugar and sprinkle it evenly across the surface.

Tightly roll the dough from the short end to form a loaf, pinching the seam to seal it. Place this seam-side down into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled. While it rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and a hollow sound when tapped. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Each slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
  • The swirling cinnamon layers are not just beautiful, but also flavorful.
  • It’s a great family recipe that everyone will enjoy baking and eating together.
  • The dough is forgiving and suitable for beginner bakers.
  • Fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it bakes.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil for greasing

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Warm the milk until it is slightly warm, then add it to the dry ingredients along with melted butter and eggs; mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.
8. Roll the dough tightly from the short end to form a loaf; pinch the seam to seal.
9. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan, cover, and let it rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
12. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

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