Decadent Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
This Decadent Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a cozy, aromatic bread that fills your home with the warmth of cinnamon and sweetness of sugar, perfect for the winter holidays. Over the years, I've perfected this recipe to create a delightful balance of a soft, fluffy texture and a rich, gooey cinnamon swirl. Whether you’re sharing it as a thoughtful gift or taking it with you to college, the comforting flavors of this bread will make it a cherished favorite. Enjoy warm slices topped with butter and a cup of tea or coffee for a truly indulgent treat!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fast rise yeast
2 (1/4 ounce) packages (Combine with warm water to activate.)
2% low-fat or whole milk
2 cups (Scald the milk before adding to mixture.)
Warm water
1/4 cup (Temperature should be between 80 - 110°F.)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Add to the dry ingredients.)
Eggs
2 (Room temperature, beaten.)
Butter flavor shortening or real shortening
1 cup (Cubed and added to the mixture.)
All-purpose flour
7 1/2 - 8 cups (Gradually add to form the dough.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Mix with sugar.)
Melted butter or margarine
as needed (For brushing on the dough.)
Cinnamon
to taste (Sprinkle over the rolled dough layers.)
Sugar
to taste (Sprinkle over the rolled dough layers.)
Raisins or chopped walnuts
optional, to taste (Add on top of cinnamon/sugar layers if desired.)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine both packets of fast rise yeast with warm water (80-110°F) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and salt. Add butter flavor shortening (or real shortening) without mixing.
3
Pour the scalded milk over the butter, sugar, and salt mixture. Stir to combine.
4
Add 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until a soft dough begins to form.
5
Incorporate the eggs and the frothy yeast mixture into the dough, mixing well.
6
Gradually add the remaining 4.5 to 5 cups of flour until a stiff dough forms.
7
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until soft and elastic.
8
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
9
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
10
Gently punch down the dough and let it rest for another 45 minutes, allowing it to rise again until doubled in size.
11
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and let it rest for 5 minutes.
12
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a ball.
13
With one half, roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 15x7 inches.
14
Brush melted butter generously over the surface of the rectangle.
15
Sprinkle a thin even layer of cinnamon over the buttered surface, followed by a layer of sugar. Repeat until you have 4 to 5 layers of both cinnamon and sugar.
16
Repeat the rolling and layering process with the second half of the dough.
17
Starting from one end, roll each rectangle jelly-roll style into a tight log. Place each log seam-side down in a greased bread pan.
18
Cover the pans with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 45 minutes.
19
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, place the pans in the preheated oven.
20
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the crust is golden brown and crispy. For added richness, brush melted butter onto the crust during the last 5 minutes of baking.
21
If the crust is browning too quickly, tent the bread with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
22
For added texture and flavor, sprinkle nuts or raisins on top of the cinnamon/sugar layers before rolling up the dough.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Cinnamon Swirl Loaf?
It is a cozy, aromatic yeast bread filled with a rich, gooey cinnamon and sugar swirl, perfect for winter holidays or as a thoughtful gift.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 1/4 ounce packages of fast rise yeast.
What is the ideal temperature for the warm water used to activate the yeast?
The water should be between 80-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
How long should the yeast sit before adding it to the dough?
Let the yeast and warm water mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Can I use whole milk for this bread?
Yes, you can use either 2% low-fat or whole milk.
Why do I need to scald the milk?
Scalding the milk helps to melt the shortening and creates a better texture in the finished loaf.
What type of shortening should I use?
You can use either butter-flavored shortening or regular shortening.
How many eggs are needed for the dough?
The recipe requires two room temperature, beaten eggs.
What kind of flour is best for this cinnamon loaf?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe.
How much flour will I need in total?
You will need between 7.5 to 8 cups of all-purpose flour.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 8 minutes until it is soft and elastic.
How long is the first rise?
The first rise takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour in a warm place, or until doubled in size.
What should I do after the first rise?
Gently punch down the dough and let it rest for another 45 minutes to rise a second time.
How many times does the dough rise in total?
The dough rises three times: twice in the bowl and once more after being shaped into loaves.
What size should I roll the dough rectangle?
Roll each half of the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 15x7 inches.
How do I create the cinnamon swirl?
Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle layers of cinnamon followed by sugar, repeating for 4 to 5 layers.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe makes two loaves.
Can I add nuts to the cinnamon swirl?
Yes, you can sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the cinnamon and sugar layers before rolling the dough.
Are raisins a good addition to this bread?
Yes, raisins can be added to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
How do I shape the loaves?
Starting from one end, roll the rectangle jelly-roll style into a tight log and place it seam-side down in a greased pan.
What is the baking temperature?
Preheat and bake the bread at 375°F (190°C).
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread typically bakes for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The crust should be golden brown and crispy.
What should I do if the crust browns too quickly?
Tent the bread with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning while the inside finishes baking.
How can I make the crust richer?
Brush melted butter onto the crust during the last 5 minutes of baking.
How should I serve the Decadent Cinnamon Swirl Loaf?
Enjoy warm slices topped with butter, ideally paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the instructions provide clear steps for kneading, rising, and layering that are manageable for most home bakers.
How long should the dough rest after being punched down?
After the initial punch down, let it rise for 45 minutes, then let it rest for 5 minutes on a floured surface before rolling.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, melted margarine can be used for brushing the dough and the crust.
What makes the swirl 'decadent' in this recipe?
The decadence comes from the 4 to 5 repeated layers of cinnamon and sugar bonded by generous amounts of melted butter.