Description
This Cinnamon Twist Loaf is a show-stopping sweet bread, soft and fluffy with layers of brown sugar and cinnamon spiraled throughout. Finished with a luscious glaze or optional cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or as a cozy morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- Alternative Simple Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Make the Dough: Add salt and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix using a dough hook until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- First Rise: Knead briefly on a floured surface. Place in a bowl, cover, and let rise for 10 minutes.
- Fill and Shape: Roll dough into a 10×12 inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly lengthwise, slice down the center leaving one end attached, and twist into a braid. Tuck ends under.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake for 23–25 minutes until golden. Let cool on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle over loaf once slightly cooled.
- Optional Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over warm twist as desired.
Notes
- Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a vegan version.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Try cardamom or nutmeg instead of cinnamon for a twist on the flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (with glaze)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cinnamon twist loaf, sweet bread, braided cinnamon bread, cinnamon pull-apart loaf, breakfast bread, yeast bread, cinnamon swirl, cream cheese frosting