Nutty Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delectable treat that combines the richness of cinnamon with the crunch of nuts, creating a perfect balance of flavors in a soft and fluffy loaf. The golden crust, cinnamon-swirled filling, and nutty aroma make this bread a comforting and delightful addition to any meal. Whether served as a breakfast delight, an afternoon snack with tea, or a light dessert, this bread will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance and leave everyone asking for seconds. The combination of warm spices, nuts, and soft dough makes this a bread that is both comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prepping, sharing with friends, or enjoying with your family on a cozy morning.
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Flour: 650g (about 5 cups)
- Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Dry Yeast: 1.5 tsp (6g)
- Salt: 1 tsp (4g)
- Lukewarm Milk: 300 ml
- Vegetable Oil: 2 Tbsp (30 ml)
- Egg White: 1, beaten
For the Filling:
- Crushed Walnuts: 200g (about 2 cups)
- Sugar: 80g (about 1/3 cup)
- Cinnamon: to taste (usually about 1 tsp)
- Butter: 5 Tbsp, melted
For the Glaze:
- Egg Yolk: 1
- Milk: 1 Tbsp
Directions
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Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk (about 37-40°C or 98-104°F) with the dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure that the salt and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture, followed by vegetable oil and the beaten egg white.
- Knead the Dough: Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, you can add extra flour.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
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Prepare the Filling
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
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Shape the Bread
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 1 cm thick (about 0.4 inches).
- Add the Filling: Evenly sprinkle the walnut mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the dough.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently twist the dough log and tuck the ends under to fit into a greased loaf pan. Alternatively, you can place the dough in a round baking pan for a more rustic look.
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Second Rise
- Let it Rise Again: Cover the loaf with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
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Prepare the Glaze
- Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. This will give the bread a beautiful golden color when baked.
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Bake the Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during the second rise.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, brush the top with the egg wash.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Nutty Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful variation of classic cinnamon rolls and braided breads that have long been enjoyed around the world. The combination of cinnamon and sugar as a filling dates back centuries, with variations appearing in different cultures. The concept of adding nuts to cinnamon-filled dough adds a layer of texture and flavor, making it both rich and satisfying.
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to mankind, and it has been used for centuries in baking and cooking, adding warmth and comfort to countless dishes. In this bread, the cinnamon not only provides a warm, aromatic flavor but also beautifully complements the nutty crunch of walnuts. This bread, which blends simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and yeast, has become a popular homemade bread, particularly around the fall and winter months when the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked goods fills the home.
The Nutty Cinnamon Swirl Bread is particularly beloved in households where homemade baking is a cherished tradition. Its sweet, spiced flavor, combined with the satisfying texture of the dough and crunchy nuts, has earned it a spot in kitchens across the world, from casual breakfasts to celebratory feasts. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed the next day toasted with butter, this bread has become a favorite for those looking to add something comforting to their tables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nutty Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the perfect combination of warm, comforting flavors and textures. The cinnamon filling swirls beautifully throughout the bread, while the walnuts add a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the dough. The slight sweetness of the bread, combined with the richness of the butter and nuts, makes this recipe irresistible. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a delicious snack later on, you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Additionally, the bread is relatively simple to make, and the process of kneading the dough and watching it rise adds to the sense of accomplishment when it comes out of the oven. The aroma that fills your home while this bread is baking is heavenly, making it the perfect bread to share with family or bring to gatherings. Its golden, glossy crust and fragrant, spicy aroma will make it a favorite at any meal.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
This Nutty Cinnamon Swirl Bread does offer some health benefits, thanks to the nutritious ingredients like walnuts and cinnamon. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and they also provide fiber, antioxidants, and protein. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels. While this bread is indulgent, it does provide essential nutrients, particularly if enjoyed in moderation.
For a slightly healthier version, you could swap some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or reduce the amount of sugar used. This bread can also be made dairy-free by substituting the butter with plant-based alternatives and using almond milk.
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: Serve this warm, freshly baked bread with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. You can also spread a thin layer of butter or jam for extra flavor.
- For Dessert: Slice this bread into thick pieces, lightly toast them, and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- As a Snack: Enjoy a slice of this bread with a cup of hot chocolate or a smoothie for a quick, satisfying snack.
- For a Brunch: Serve this bread as part of a brunch spread, alongside eggs, fruit salad, and other baked goods.
Tips
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When kneading, be sure not to overwork the dough, as this can make the bread dense. Knead just until smooth and elastic.
- Add Extra Flavors: Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as nutmeg or ginger, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Keep the Dough Warm for Rising: Make sure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on or near a warm stove to speed up the rising process.
- Use Fresh Yeast: For the best results, use fresh, active dry yeast. Ensure it’s not expired to guarantee proper rising.
Variations to Try
- Vegan Version: Replace the egg and butter with plant-based substitutes, such as flaxseed meal (for the egg) and dairy-free butter. You can also use almond milk or oat milk.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
- Add Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
Conclusion
Nutty Cinnamon Swirl Bread is an aromatic, comforting, and delicious bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With its warm, cinnamon-spiced filling and crunchy walnuts, this bread will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, yet incredibly rewarding, offering the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this bread is sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Try making it today, and experience the delightful comfort of homemade cinnamon bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake it the next morning. It will taste just as fresh!
2. Can I freeze this bread? Yes, you can freeze the bread after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it at room temperature and reheat if desired.
3. Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut? Yes, you can substitute the walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference.
4. How do I store the bread? Store this bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it before serving for the best texture.
5. Can I make this bread without a loaf pan? Yes, you can shape the dough into a round or oval shape and bake it on a baking sheet if you prefer a more rustic look.