Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful treat that artfully combines the soft, tender texture of freshly baked bread with the warm, spicy flavour of cinnamon. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy, creating a bread that is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.

Selecting Key Ingredients

Cinnamon: The star ingredient. Freshly ground cinnamon is preferred for its aromatic and robust flavour.

Flour: Strong bread flour gives the bread structure and chewiness.

Sugar: A combination of caster sugar in the dough and brown sugar for the filling enhances the sweetness and complements the cinnamon.

Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the dough and helps create a moist filling.

Yeast: Active dry yeast is essential for a good rise and fluffy texture.

Milk: Whole milk contributes to the dough’s tenderness.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe: Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough:
   • Heat the milk to lukewarm. Dissolve a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast in it and leave it to froth for about 10 minutes.
   • In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt.
   • Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour and mix to form a soft dough.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Making the Cinnamon Filling:
   • Mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavour, if desired.
   • Melt a small amount of butter to brush on the rolled-out dough, which helps the cinnamon sugar adhere.
3. Assembling the Bread:
   • After the first rise, knock back the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
   • Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
   • Roll the dough tightly from one long side to form a log.
   • Place the log in a greased loaf tin, cover, and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
4. Baking:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
   • Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
   • Allow the bread to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Cinnamon Swirl Bread warm, with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a sweet accompaniment to afternoon tea. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Nutritional Value of Cinnamon

Cinnamon not only adds flavour but also provides health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe results in a bread that is not only visually appealing with its spiral of cinnamon but also deliciously aromatic and flavourful. It’s a treat that’s sure to be enjoyed by all who taste it.