If you dream about the cozy, nostalgic goodness of cinnamon rolls but crave the ease of a quick bread, Cinnamon Roll Bread is about to become your go-to treat. This irresistible loaf captures all the warm, gooey, cinnamon-swirled flavors you adore, but in a fraction of the time and with zero yeast fuss. Ideal for a special breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply an afternoon pick-me-up, this bread delivers soft crumb, buttery swirl, and that iconic sweet glaze—all with the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Trust me, Cinnamon Roll Bread is pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient for this Cinnamon Roll Bread plays a starring role, working together to create a beautiful loaf that’s packed with flavor and the perfect tender crumb. Be sure to use the freshest and best-quality you can find—even those pantry staples make a big difference!
- All-Purpose Flour: Giving the bread its structure and softness without making it heavy.
- Baking Powder: This is what makes the loaf rise beautifully and keeps it light.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cinnamon swirl.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread base and lends a soft texture.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and contributes richness to every slice.
- Milk: Keeps the crumb tender and adds a subtle richness—dairy or non-dairy both work!
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Brings extra moisture and a slight tang that makes each bite special.
- Vegetable Oil: Makes the bread soft and helps it stay fresh, without overwhelming with flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth that rounds out the cinnamon flavor.
- Brown Sugar: The secret to a lush, caramel-like swirl—don’t pack it too loosely in the measuring cup!
- Ground Cinnamon: The aromatic heart of the bread; use fresh for the boldest flavor.
- Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon swirl melt beautifully into pockets of flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Whisks up into a silky, sweet glaze that finishes the loaf to perfection.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the ideal drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (for glaze): A tiny touch that ties the flavors together with fragrant warmth.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s good and hot by the time your batter is ready. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan—this little extra step makes for easy removal and a beautiful loaf every time. If you love parchment, lining the bottom with a strip doesn’t hurt!
Step 2: Make the Bread Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar so they’re evenly combined. Next, grab a separate bowl and beat together the egg, milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently stir until just combined—you want it a little lumpy, not totally smooth. Overmixing is the enemy of tender bread!
Step 3: Swirl in the Cinnamon Goodness
Pour half of your batter into the prepared pan. Next, stir together your brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter—this is your magical swirl! Spoon half of this delicious mixture over the batter, then grab a knife and give it a gentle swirl so it ripples throughout. Pour on the remaining batter, top with the rest of your cinnamon mixture, and swirl again for maximum marbled delight.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a tiny bit of sticky swirl is okay!). Let the Cinnamon Roll Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 5: Glaze and Enjoy
While your loaf is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, a tablespoon or two of milk, and vanilla extract until you get a thick but pourable glaze. When the bread is just barely warm (not hot), drizzle that sweet vanilla glaze all over the top. It’s the crowning glory—let it set for a minute, then slice and serve!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bread

Garnishes
The classic glaze is a star on its own, but you can give each slice a little extra sparkle by dusting with a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped toasted pecans. For added decadence, a melted white chocolate drizzle is divine!
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll Bread is fantastic all on its own, but if you’re serving brunch, pair it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a savory egg casserole to balance the sweetness. A cup of good coffee or spiced chai is the perfect match for those cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
This bread makes a stunning centerpiece on a brunch table! Slice it thick, arrange on a platter, and serve with a bowl of whipped butter or cream cheese frosting for spreading. For a dessert spin, try cubing leftovers and making a decadent bread pudding—the cinnamon swirl brings it to another level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any left over Cinnamon Roll Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It will stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days—just bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This bread is a freezer hero! Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop those slices into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When a cinnamon craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp.
Reheating
For warm, freshly-baked goodness, microwave a slice for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop it in the toaster oven for a few minutes. If the glaze has set, cover the bread loosely with foil in the oven to keep it moist while it warms up.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Just let it cool, wrap it tightly, and store at room temperature or in the fridge. Add the glaze before serving for that fresh, bakery look.
What can I use instead of sour cream in Cinnamon Roll Bread?
Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute and brings the same creamy moisture. You can also use plain regular yogurt in a pinch, or try a plant-based sour cream if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, totally customize your Cinnamon Roll Bread! A half cup of chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips folded into the batter or sprinkled with the cinnamon swirl adds wonderful texture and flavor—don’t be shy with your favorites!
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon mixture?
A simple butter knife works best. Insert the knife into the batter and make gentle figure-eights through the cinnamon layer—just enough to marble, not so much it disappears. You want those gorgeous cinnamon streaks!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
It’s easy to double! Use two loaf pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even results. It’s perfect when you need a make-ahead sweet for brunch gatherings, holidays, or gifting to friends and neighbors.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the way Cinnamon Roll Bread fills your kitchen with its cozy aroma and brings smiles to anyone who tries it. Give this recipe a whirl the next time you’re craving comfort—one slice in, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home, too! Enjoy every swirl and crumb.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a cinnamon roll in the form of a moist and tender bread loaf with a sweet cinnamon swirl and vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or as a dessert treat!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix egg, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. Add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. Swirl half of the cinnamon mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Notes
- For a richer bread, add chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips.
- Freeze leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg