Indulge in the comforting aroma and delightful taste of this Easy 100% Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl Bread. Crafted with wholesome whole wheat flour and generously swirled with cinnamon and sugar, each slice offers a perfect balance of nutrition and sweetness. It’s truly my favorite enjoyed warm with a dollop of butter!
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If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast, you’ll also adore these Cinnamon Roll Muffins or these delightful Peanut Butter Cinnamon Meltaway Cookies. But for a truly wholesome and satisfying treat, our Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl Bread stands out!
Embracing the Homemade Life: Why Bake Your Own Bread?
In a world that often feels fast-paced and demanding, I frequently find myself yearning for a simpler, more homemade existence. I dream of a sparkling clean home, harmonious children, and a perpetually full cookie jar. While the reality of managing a bustling household with three energetic little ones often means juggling responsibilities and cherishing fleeting moments of calm, I’ve learned that making a “homemade life” isn’t about perfection – it’s about intentional steps.
One of the most rewarding steps toward this dream, for me, has always been baking bread. There’s something incredibly therapeutic and satisfying about transforming simple ingredients like flour, water, and yeast into a warm, fragrant loaf. The process itself is a journey of patience and creation, and the reward? A delicious, wholesome bread that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and your family with nourishing goodness.
From Aspiration to Reality: My Journey to Baking Homemade Bread
I’ve always admired those who effortlessly bake their own bread. I recall my college roommate, whose mom was one such baking maven. She’d return from visits home with loaves of homemade bread, each one a testament to warmth and care. Since then, I’ve yearned to be that kind of mom, providing my family with wholesome, homemade treats. While life often presents its challenges and shortcuts become necessary, this year marks a renewed commitment to embracing the basics, starting with freshly baked bread.
Baking with yeast can seem intimidating, but I’m here to assure you it’s a remarkably simple and fulfilling process, especially when you start with a reliable recipe and high-quality ingredients. For many years, Fleischmann’s® Yeast has been my trusted partner in the kitchen, ensuring consistent and successful results every time. Their RapidRise™ Yeast simplifies the process, making homemade bread accessible even for novice bakers.
The Wholesome Choice: 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Long before I had children, I made the switch to 100% whole wheat bread. Consequently, my kids have grown up knowing and loving “brown” bread. It’s a rare sight to find a loaf of white bread in my pantry! This commitment to whole grains meant I needed a robust and delicious whole wheat bread recipe. While countless recipes exist, starting with a foundational, easy-to-follow recipe is crucial for building confidence and mastering the craft.
I discovered an excellent base whole wheat bread recipe on the Fleischmann’s® Yeast website – breadworld.com. It immediately struck me as the perfect starting point for anyone looking to bake wholesome, delicious whole wheat bread from scratch. It’s designed to be approachable, making the process enjoyable rather than daunting.
Elevating the Classic: Introducing the Cinnamon Swirl
While the original recipe for plain whole wheat bread is fantastic for everyday sandwiches, I couldn’t resist adding a special touch. Transforming it into a Cinnamon Swirl Bread elevates it from a simple staple to a truly indulgent treat. This variation allows you to enjoy all the nutritional benefits of whole wheat while adding an irresistible layer of sweetness and aromatic spice from the cinnamon and sugar swirl. It’s the perfect compromise between healthy and heavenly, ideal for a special breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Once you master the basic whole wheat dough, adding the cinnamon swirl is a simple extra step that yields magnificent results. The contrast between the hearty, slightly nutty flavor of the whole wheat and the sweet, warm notes of cinnamon is utterly captivating, making each bite a delightful experience.
Your Guide to Baking the Perfect Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Now is the ideal moment to reconnect with foundational culinary skills. Whether you’re a complete novice eager to learn how to bake homemade bread or a seasoned kitchen veteran looking to refine your yeast baking techniques, this Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe is an excellent starting point. Not only is it straightforward and satisfying to create, but it also makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors. Baking a little extra to share is a fantastic way to spread the joy of homemade goodness.
Imagine the smiles as you present a warm, fragrant loaf, still slightly warm from the oven, to a loved one. This bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create, to share, and to savor the simple pleasures of life. The process is approachable, the ingredients are common, and the reward is truly exceptional.
So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time for this delightful process, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the heavenly scent of freshly baked cinnamon swirl bread. You’ll be amazed at how easy and enjoyable it is to create such a comforting and delicious treat from scratch.
Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Deborah Harroun
30 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour 15 minutes
1 loaf
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Ingredients
- 3 3/4 – 4 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 packet Fleischmann’s® RapidRise™ Yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Mazola® Corn Oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of the flour, the yeast, and the salt. Stir thoroughly to combine. In a microwave-safe bowl, or a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the water, milk, oil, and honey. Heat in 15-second intervals if using the microwave, until the mixture is dry warm to the touch (120ºF to 130ºF), but not hot. Gradually add these warm liquids to the flour mixture.
- Beat the mixture for 2 minutes on medium speed, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Incorporate 1 additional cup of flour, beating on low speed for a few seconds until just combined, then increase to high speed and beat for another 2 minutes, ensuring to scrape the bowl as needed. Continue adding just enough of the remaining flour until the dough comes together and forms a cohesive ball.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, and springs back gently when lightly pressed with two fingers. Alternatively, if using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook attachment and knead in the mixer. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean towel and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the sugar and cinnamon. Set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the rested dough into a rectangle approximately 12×7 inches in size. Evenly sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire surface of the dough, gently pressing it in with your hands to adhere. Starting from one of the short ends of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up tightly. Pinch the ends firmly to seal them. Place the rolled dough, seam-side down, into a greased 8 1/2×4 1/2 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot to rise until the dough has doubled in size, which should take about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190°C). Bake the bread for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C). Once baked, carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the loaf, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from breadworld.com
I am proud to be a Bake a Little Extra Blog Ambassador, and this Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl Bread post is sponsored by Fleischmann’s® Yeast. I am genuinely thrilled to collaborate with companies and organizations whose values and products I truly believe in. Your support for them is greatly appreciated.