Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Divine Fall Treat

Name: Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Divine Fall Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin; 1/4 cup canola oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 to 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)

by Jannet Lisa

3 de September de 2025

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Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread has become my absolute favorite way to welcome autumn into my kitchen. There’s just something magical about the aroma of warm spices and sweet pumpkin filling the house, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried making it myself; I was aiming for that perfect ribbon of cinnamon goodness running through a tender, spiced pumpkin loaf, and the result was even better than I imagined. This particular recipe for pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl is incredibly moist and delivers that comforting, cozy flavor we all crave. Get ready to bake something truly special – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons! It’s the quintessential taste of fall in every bite.

It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it the perfect easy cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread recipe for busy weeknights.
The texture is unbelievably tender and moist cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread is guaranteed.
The cinnamon swirl adds a delightful burst of spiced sweetness that elevates the classic pumpkin flavor.
It fills your home with the most comforting and inviting aroma.
It’s versatile enough for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert.
These mini loaves make for beautiful, homemade gifts during the holidays.
You can customize it with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat.

Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

Gathering these simple cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread ingredients is the first step to baking pure autumn bliss. I always make sure to have these on hand when the fall air starts to bite!

1 large egg – helps bind everything together and adds richness
1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
1/4 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and a deeper caramel note
1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin – the star of the show for that unmistakable pumpkin flavor and color
1/4 cup canola oil – keeps the bread wonderfully moist
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
3/4 cup all-purpose flour – the base structure for our bread
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – provides lift
1/8 teaspoon baking soda – works with the acidic pumpkin for a better rise
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – the essential blend for that cozy, spiced taste
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and brings out flavors
2 to 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar – for that gorgeous, sweet swirl on top

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious quick cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread. It’s simpler than you think to get that perfect swirl!

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your mini loaf pans by greasing them thoroughly and then lining them with parchment paper. This ensures your beautiful loaves won’t stick.
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 1 large egg, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, stir in the 1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin, 1/4 cup canola oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a lovely, smooth pumpkin batter.
Step 3: Now, it’s time for the dry ingredients. Sift in the 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt directly into the wet ingredients. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine and will help keep the bread tender.
Step 4: Divide the batter evenly among your prepared mini loaf pans. You want each pan to be about two-thirds full. Now for the fun part: sprinkle the tops generously with the 2 to 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar. Use a toothpick or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating those beautiful ribbons we love. This is a key part of how to make cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread look as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
Step 6: Once baked, carefully remove the mini loaves from the oven. Let them cool in the pans for about 5 to 10 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period helps them set up perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Bread Cinnamon Swirl

To ensure your pumpkin spice bread cinnamon swirl turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years that make all the difference.

Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling has added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor balance.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a tougher, less tender loaf.
For an even richer swirl, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to your cinnamon sugar topping before sprinkling it on.
Make sure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer is a great investment for consistent baking results.

What’s the secret to perfect Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Pumpkin Bread?

The real secret to a perfect cinnamon sugar swirl pumpkin bread is the swirl itself! Make sure to swirl it gently but decisively into the batter. Don’t overdo it, or the cinnamon will just mix in, but ensure it goes deep enough to be visible.

Can I make Glazed Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter, swirl it, and even bake the loaves a day in advance. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. If you want a glaze, you can add that just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Moist Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread?

The biggest mistake is overbaking, which leads to dry bread. Always test with a toothpick. Another pitfall is using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree. Stick to pure pumpkin for that authentic flavor in your moist cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

This delightful bread is fantastic on its own, but I love elevating it with a few simple accompaniments. The warm, spiced notes pair beautifully with so many things, making it a truly versatile treat.

For a classic breakfast or brunch, serve a warm slice of this cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread with a dollop of softened butter. The butter melts into the warm bread, enhancing its moist texture.
If you’re looking for a more decadent dessert, a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk works wonders. This complements the cinnamon swirl topping perfectly.
It also makes a wonderful pairing with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte. The complementary flavors are just divine, especially on a cool autumn morning.

Nutrition Facts for Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each delicious mini loaf of my Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and treat!

Serving Size: 1 mini loaf (90g)
Calories: 270
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 160mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Divine Fall Treat - Mini loaves cooling on a wire rack

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

Once your beautiful cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread has cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. I’ve found that wrapping each mini loaf tightly in plastic wrap works wonders, and then placing those wrapped loaves in an airtight container adds an extra layer of protection. This method keeps them perfectly moist in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, reheating is simple. For a warm treat, microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warmed through. You can also pop it into a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until it’s nicely heated. Either way, it’ll taste almost as good as when it was freshly baked!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

What is Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread?

Cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread is a delightful quick bread that combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon. It features a tender, moist pumpkin-spiced bread batter swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating beautiful ribbons of flavor throughout. It’s a truly festive and delicious treat.

Why is Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread popular?

This type of bread is incredibly popular because it perfectly captures the essence of fall and the holidays with its cozy spices and rich pumpkin flavor. The added cinnamon swirl provides an extra layer of sweetness and texture that many find irresistible. It’s also a relatively easy bake, making it accessible for home bakers, and it fills the kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree?

I strongly advise against using pumpkin pie filling. While it might seem like a shortcut, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars, spices, and often thickeners that can significantly alter the texture and flavor balance of your bread. For the best results and the authentic taste of homemade cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread, always stick to pure canned pumpkin puree.

How do I get a good swirl in my bread?

Achieving a beautiful swirl is all about technique! After dividing your batter and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar on top, use a butter knife or a toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter. Make sure to go down about halfway into the batter, but avoid overmixing, which can cause the cinnamon to disappear into the dough rather than creating distinct swirls.

Variations of Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to put your own spin on this delicious bread. I love experimenting with different additions to keep things exciting throughout the season!

For a healthy cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar slightly. You could also add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and nutrients.
Craving something richer? Stir in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped candied ginger into the batter before swirling. These additions meld beautifully with the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can easily make a vegan cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread by swapping the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
For those who need it, a gluten-free cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread is totally achievable! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure.