If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s both irresistibly cozy and incredibly easy to make, let me introduce you to Cinnamon Bread with Icing. Imagine a tender, fragrant loaf swirling with ribbons of cinnamon sugar and topped with a velvety drizzle of vanilla icing—every slice is like a warm hug on a plate. This is the kind of recipe that instantly fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and turns an ordinary day into something a little more special.

Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to deliver the perfect loaf: tender crumb, bold cinnamon flavor, and that signature sweet icing. They’re all pantry staples, coming together for a bread that’s both foolproof and utterly delightful.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, creating a structure that’s soft but sturdy enough for thick slices.
Baking powder: Lifts the bread beautifully for that cake-like texture.
Salt: Just a touch makes the cinnamon pop and balances sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice—the heart of this bread’s flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf without overpowering the cinnamon swirl.
Whole milk: Gives moisture for a tender crumb (you can sub with plant milk if needed).
Vegetable oil: Keeps every bite moist, light, and impossible to resist.
Large egg: Binds the loaf and lends richness.
Vanilla extract: Elevates every aroma and sweet note in the bread and icing.
Brown sugar (for swirl): Melts into gooey ribbons for that classic cinnamon roll spin.
More ground cinnamon (for swirl): Ensures the filling is extra fragrant and punchy.
Powdered sugar (for icing): Gives the perfect smooth, glossy drizzle.
Milk (for icing): Adjusts the consistency so the icing glides over the loaf.
Vanilla extract (for icing): Tiny addition, big boost in flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Bread with Icing

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by cranking your oven up to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan, grease it generously or line it with parchment paper—trust me, it makes popping out the loaf a breeze and keeps everything beautifully intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. It’s important to whisk thoroughly so that everything blends evenly—the cinnamon needs to be well distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk the whole milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. The smoother the mixture, the easier it’ll combine with your dry ingredients, making for a smooth, lump-free batter.

Step 4: Combine and Don’t Overmix

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mix. Stir gently, just until combined; overmixing could make your bread a little tough rather than light and tender. Some small lumps are totally fine!

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and the two teaspoons of ground cinnamon for the decadent swirl. This mix is what creates those gorgeous, gooey ribbons that make cinnamon bread with icing so enjoyable.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it to the corners. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture right over the top. Add the rest of your batter and finish with the remaining swirl mix. Now, take a knife and drag it through the batter in gentle loops—creating a beautiful cinnamon pattern that’s both pretty and flavorful.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). Let the bread cool in its pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling. Patience pays off here—the icing goes on best once it’s completely cool.

Step 8: Drizzle on the Icing

To make the icing, simply whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over your cooled loaf—don’t be shy! It’s the crowning touch that takes Cinnamon Bread with Icing over the top.

How to Serve Cinnamon Bread with Icing

Garnishes

For extra flair, try sprinkling a touch of extra cinnamon on the icing while it’s still wet, or add a handful of toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for irresistible texture. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or apple wedges also look beautiful alongside each slice of cinnamon bread with icing.

Side Dishes

This sweet loaf shines alongside creamy Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit salad for breakfast. If you’re serving it for brunch or dessert, a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns every bite into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cinnamon bread with icing into thick, decadent slices for a classic look, or dice it into cubes and serve as a pull-apart bread for gatherings. Feeling fancy? Stack slices, drizzle extra icing between layers, and dust with powdered sugar for a stunning, shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tightly wrap any leftover cinnamon bread with icing in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay moist and fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!).

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cooled bread and wrap each piece individually before storing in a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out just the right amount when the craving hits—perfect for quick breakfasts or sweet cravings. It keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring your cinnamon bread with icing back to life, microwave slices for about 15-20 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. The icing will soften and the bread will taste just-baked all over again. If desired, whisk a bit of fresh icing to drizzle on top for extra decadence.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk instead of whole milk?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk work well in both the loaf and the icing. The crumb remains tender and delicious, and the flavor stays lovely and rich.

Is the bread very sweet, or can I reduce the sugar?

The loaf is sweet but not overly so, especially since the icing and cinnamon swirl add extra sweetness. You can reduce the granulated sugar by about 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet bread, but keep in mind that flavor and texture will shift slightly.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans and plump raisins both add great texture and flavor. Gently fold in about 1/2 cup before layering the batter for some extra crunch or chewiness.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it. Be sure not to overbake—this keeps the inside moist and tender.

Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?

Definitely. Just double every ingredient and use two standard loaf pans, or bake in one larger pan and adjust the baking time as needed. It makes for a lovely gift or an easy way to stock your freezer with extra cinnamon bread with icing.

Final Thoughts

If you love low-effort recipes with maximum comfort and a wow-worthy payoff, you absolutely need to bake Cinnamon Bread with Icing. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and soft, whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself. One slice and you’ll be hooked—happy baking!

Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the sweet and aromatic flavors of homemade Cinnamon Bread with a delectable icing drizzle. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup whole milk
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

⅓ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add to the dry ingredients and stir.
Create cinnamon swirl: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Layer batter and swirl mix: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon mix, add remaining batter, top with the rest of the swirl mix, and swirl with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.

Notes

You can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices individually.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American