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Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A Delightful Treat

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Homemade cinnamon swirl bread, with its gooey layers of cinnamon and sugar, is a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet dessert, this bread is a delectable addition to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering cinnamon swirl bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g strong white bread flour
• 75g caster sugar
• 10g salt
• 10g instant yeast
• 300ml whole milk, lukewarm
• 50g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 100g brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 50g unsalted butter, softened

For the Topping (Optional):

• 50g icing sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or water

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, caster sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Ensure the yeast does not come into direct contact with the salt at this stage, as it can inhibit yeast activity.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg until combined. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until it begins to come together.

3. Once the dough has formed, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 2: Prove the Dough

1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap, and leave it to prove in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. While the dough is proving, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Bread

1. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 40cm x 25cm (16 x 10 inches).

2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface, pressing it down slightly to ensure it sticks.

3. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal, and tuck the ends under to create a neat shape.

Step 5: Second Proving

1. Grease a loaf tin (23cm x 13cm or 9 x 5 inches) and place the rolled dough seam-side down inside the tin. Cover it again and allow it to prove for another 30-45 minutes, until it has risen sufficiently.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with a piece of foil.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

1. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. If you’d like to add a sweet glaze, combine the icing sugar with enough milk or water to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy Your Creation!

Homemade cinnamon swirl bread is best enjoyed the day it is made, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. Slice it thickly and serve with butter, or simply enjoy it on its own. Whether you indulge in a warm slice with your morning tea or save it for a delightful evening treat, this bread is sure to become a beloved favourite in your home.

Baking your own bread not only fills your home with a delightful aroma but also offers a rewarding culinary experience. So gather your ingredients and get started on your homemade cinnamon swirl bread today!