Easy & Delicious Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread: A Comforting Homemade Treat
There are some flavors that instantly transport you back to childhood, and for many, cinnamon and raisins are at the top of that list. I vividly remember the simple joy of my mother making cinnamon toast – usually just a humble slice of white bread, perfectly toasted, generously buttered, and sprinkled with a delightful mix of cinnamon sugar. She also had an enduring love for cinnamon raisin bread, often bringing home the iconic red-bagged Sun Maid brand, filling our kitchen with its sweet, spicy aroma.
That comforting blend of sweet raisins and warm cinnamon has always been a staple in my life, and over the years, I’ve found myself drawn to creating that same magic in my own kitchen. While there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from baking a classic yeast bread, sometimes life calls for something a little quicker, a little less demanding, but no less delicious. That’s where this incredible Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread truly shines.
Related Recipe – For another delightful cinnamon-infused treat, try our Cinnamon Honey Butter!
Why Choose Quick Bread? The Joy of Baking Without the Wait
I genuinely love the art of making yeast breads. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in watching dough rise, kneading it to perfection, and experiencing the transformation from simple ingredients into a beautiful, airy loaf. However, not every day allows for the time and patience that yeast breads require. That’s precisely why quick breads have carved out a special place in my baking repertoire.
Unlike their yeast-leavened counterparts, quick breads rely on chemical leaveners like baking soda and baking powder. This means no waiting for the dough to proof, no extensive kneading, and a significantly shorter overall baking process. For busy weeknights, last-minute cravings, or when you simply want to enjoy a homemade treat without the fuss, quick breads are an absolute lifesaavour. They are far less intimidating for beginner bakers and require minimal prep work, making them accessible to everyone.
This Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread is a prime example of the beauty of quick bread baking. It offers all the comforting flavors and a wonderfully moist texture, but it comes together with remarkable ease. You get that same satisfying aroma filling your home and a delicious loaf on your table in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect compromise when you crave homemade goodness but need a simpler approach.
Perfecting the Recipe: My Journey to the Ideal Swirl Quick Bread
Developing a recipe that truly hits all the right notes often involves a bit of experimentation. I actually made this Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread twice, adapting it to my personal preference until it was just right. My goal was to achieve a loaf that was incredibly moist, tender, and packed with flavor, with a pronounced cinnamon swirl that wasn’t shy. To enhance the richness and moisture, I added an extra large egg, which contributes to a more tender crumb. I also included an additional teaspoon of baking powder, ensuring a lovely lift and a soft, fluffy texture throughout the loaf.
The result of these adjustments is a quick bread that’s not only incredibly easy to make but also boasts a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and satisfying texture. It’s a recipe that I’m truly proud of, and I believe you’ll love it just as much.
A quick note on the recipe’s origin: I initially adapted this from a recipe found on a website called “Honest Kitchen.” Strangely, when I went back to link to them, their site was gone, replaced by a pet food store! While the original source has vanished, the spirit of that recipe, combined with my modifications, lives on in this delicious quick bread.
The Magic of the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Don’t be alarmed by what might seem like a generous amount of cinnamon sugar in this recipe. It truly is the secret to achieving that irresistible, pronounced swirl and a wonderfully spiced flavor that permeates every slice. The cinnamon sugar isn’t just sprinkled on top; it’s layered within the batter, ensuring that each bite offers a ribbon of sweet, fragrant spice alongside the plump, juicy raisins. This layering technique is what gives the bread its characteristic “swirl” and ensures a consistent flavor profile throughout.
This quick bread is incredibly easy to prepare and yields a profoundly tasty result. While it’s delicious at any temperature, in my opinion, it truly shines when served warm. The warmth enhances the aroma of the cinnamon, softens the raisins, and makes the bread even more comforting. A freshly baked slice, still warm from the oven, is pure bliss.
Tips for a Perfect Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: This is crucial for any quick bread! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense loaf. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined and no streaks of flour remain. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them combine more easily and evenly with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a better texture in the final bake.
- Grease Your Pan Well: Lightly greasing the bottom and halfway up the sides of your loaf pan prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful bread slides out easily after cooling. Placing it on a baking sheet is a smart step to catch any potential spills and makes handling easier.
- Achieving the Swirl: Layering the batter with the cinnamon sugar mixture in thirds is key. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the cinnamon sugar – it creates those stunning, flavorful swirls!
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is your best friend. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), your bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
- Cooling is Key: While it’s tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes helps it firm up and prevents it from breaking when you transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling completely on a wire rack ensures even cooling and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic for breakfast, a delightful coffee break treat, or a comforting snack any time of day. Enjoy it:
- Warm: Gently reheat a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring out its best flavor and aroma.
- With Butter: A smear of good quality butter, or even our Cinnamon Honey Butter, takes it to the next level.
- Alongside Coffee or Tea: It pairs perfectly with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy moment.
Storage:
To keep your quick bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole loaf (once completely cooled) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat.
Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup golden raisins
For the cinnamon mixture
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Place prepared loaf pan onto a baking sheet.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, combine milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. Beat sugar into mix until it is thoroughly creamed.
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Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients all at once. Stir just until moistened and there are no more traces of flour. Batter may be lumpy, do not over mix. Gently fold in the raisins.
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Combine sugar and ground cinnamon to make the cinnamon swirl.
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Add 1/3 of the batter to the pan then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Add another 1/3 of batter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Finally add remaining batter and top with remaining cinnamon sugar.
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Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. For 1 cup of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly. This “soured” milk will provide a similar acidic tang and tenderizing effect as buttermilk, contributing to the moistness and texture of the quick bread.
2. What kind of raisins are best for this quick bread?
This recipe specifically calls for golden raisins, which are often plumper and have a slightly milder, fruitier flavor than their darker counterparts. However, you can absolutely use regular dark raisins if that’s what you prefer or have available. Mixed raisins can also add a nice visual and flavor variety. If your raisins seem a bit dry, you can plump them up by soaking them in warm water (or even rum for an adult twist) for about 10-15 minutes, then draining them well before folding into the batter.
3. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds would make a wonderful addition to this quick bread, adding extra texture and flavor. Fold about ½ cup of chopped nuts into the batter along with the raisins. You could also sprinkle some on top with the final layer of cinnamon sugar for a crunchy topping.
4. How long does this quick bread stay fresh, and can I freeze it?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread will stay fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days. To keep it fresh longer, or for meal prepping, it freezes beautifully! Once the loaf has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave or oven.
5. How can I ensure a prominent cinnamon swirl?
The key to a beautiful and flavorful swirl is the layering process. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar mixture! By adding it in three distinct layers (after the first third of batter, after the second third, and on top of the final batter), you create clear ribbons of spice throughout the loaf. When adding the cinnamon sugar, try to distribute it evenly over the batter layers. You can use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it further, but be careful not to overmix, as this can muddy the swirl.
The Simple Pleasure of Homemade Baking
There’s something uniquely satisfying about baking a loaf of quick bread. It’s an act of comfort, a moment of warmth, and a way to bring a little extra joy into your home. This Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Quick Bread, with its easy preparation and utterly delicious results, is the perfect embodiment of that simple pleasure. Whether you’re making it for a special breakfast, a thoughtful gift, or just a treat for yourself, it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Enjoy every sweet, cinnamon-laced bite!
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.