I spoil the surprises every time. It doesn’t matter what the occasion is. I just become so darn excited, the surprise bursts out before I can stop it. For example, today’s homemade bread recipe. On the outside, it looks like your standard loaf: attractive, lightly golden (like this English Muffin Bread), but on the inside, it has a secret surprise. I’m not going to tell you what it is either…IT’S A SECRETLY CINNAMON SWIRL BREAD ON THE INSIDE! Whoops. I tried. I really did. Since the cat’s out of the bag, I guess I may as well tell you a few other hidden talents this divinely fluffy cinnamon swirl bread has up its sleeve. Warning, major spoilers lie ahead:
Spoiler #1: This cinnamon swirl bread is easy (as are these Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls). Simply pat the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar fairy dust, roll that puppy up like a sleeping bag, and voila! You just formed a perfect cinnamon swirl for your Cinnamon Bread.Spoiler #2: Prepare for the scent of sweet cinnamon intoxication. This bread smells so tantalizing as it bakes (like these Cinnamon Blondies), it’s near impossible to wait for it to cool.Spoiler #3: This is healthy cinnamon swirl bread with whole wheat flour. AND it’s not dense or stodgy. This cinnamon swirl bread is simply fluff-tastic.
No matter your level or bread baking expertise (or lack thereof), with a little patience, you will soon be prancing around your home, with a perfect slice of cinnamon swirl bread in your hand (and in your mouth.)
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread
An affordable, healthy alternative for store-bought cinnamon-swirl bread that anyone can bake at home. Carb lovers, cinnamon lovers (who would also adore these Cinnamon Crunch Bagels), and celebrators of life, rejoice!
The Ingredients
Instant Yeast. When baking bread with yeast (like this Oatmeal Bread), always check your yeast for the manufacturer’s recommended water temperature for activation. It’s usually between 105 and 120 degrees F.All Purpose Flour. Keep the crumb of this bread light and fluffy.White Whole Wheat Flour. My favorite trick for sneaking in additional fiber, iron, and protein into bread and other baked goods (like this Whole Wheat Pizza Dough).Vital Wheat Gluten. Another secret surprise I may as well share. Using vital wheat gluten is the BEST way to make bread made with whole wheat flour soft, and delightfully fluffy.Cinnamon + Sugar. Flavor and tenderize the dough and ALSO make up that ever-important “secret” cinnamon swirl. (If you love cinnamon swirl, try this Cranberry Cinnamon Swirl Bread next!)Shortening. Locks in moisture to keep this bread soft and the dough pliable.Egg + Milk. Enrich the dough with additional fat for added softness and tenderness.Hazelnuts. An optional addition that ups the aromatic factor of this bread to a whole new level and adds a lovely crunch in every bite.
The Directions
Storage Tips
TO STORE: Baked cinnamon swirl bread may be kept in a ziptop bag or wrapped in foil at room temperature for 4 days. Do not store in the refrigerator, as the bread will become stale.TO FREEZE: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Some people are great at keeping surprises. Others are great at eating whole wheat cinnamon swirl bread. We all have our strengths.
