Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require lengthy rise times, this loaf can be prepared and baked in just over an hour.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a sweet, spiced filling that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for breakfast, as a brunch centerpiece, or as a dessert with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe doesn’t require any special ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Warm water
- Dry active yeast
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Salted butter
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese (optional, for frosting)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixer, combine warm water with yeast and sugar. Mix and allow to proof for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add salt and flour, then mix on medium speed until well combined and the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Turn the dough onto a floured counter. Cover with a tea towel and let it rise for about 10 minutes.
- Shape the Loaf: Roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×12 inches. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the surface. Roll the dough lengthwise into a log.
- Cut and Twist: Place the roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, slice down the center of the roll, leaving about 1/2 inch attached at one end. With the cut sides facing up, twist the two sections together and tuck the ends under.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a tea towel and let it rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 23-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Glaze: Allow the loaf to cool slightly before adding the buttery glaze or cream cheese frosting. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, butter, and heavy cream until smooth, and drizzle over the loaf. For cream cheese frosting, combine softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy, and spread over the warm loaf.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes one large twist loaf, which can be sliced into up to 12 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 30 minutes total
- Bake Time: 23-25 minutes
- Total Time: Just over 1 hour
Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Twist: Add finely chopped sautéed apples to the filling for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch.
- Glaze Options: Experiment with different glazes, such as a warm vanilla frosting or a caramel drizzle, to change the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 48 hours.
- Freezing: To freeze, fully cool the loaf, cut it into thirds, and place in gallon-sized ziplock bags. Thaw to room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
What can I do to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
A little filling might leak out onto the pan while baking. Lining your pan with parchment paper helps with easy release and cleanup. If you don’t have parchment, you can spray a sheet of tin foil with non-stick spray.
Can I prepare this loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the loaf in advance. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cut into thirds and freeze in gallon ziplock bags. Thaw to room temperature on the day of serving and add the glaze or frosting before serving.
How should I store the cinnamon twist loaf?
The loaf is best stored at room temperature in an airtight container or ziplock bag. It will stay good for up to 48 hours after baking.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used in place of active dry yeast. Since instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
easy and fast cinnamon twist loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy cinnamon twist loaf is the perfect quick bread recipe, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a beautifully twisted loaf. Ready in just over an hour, this treat is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Optional: 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixer bowl. Let proof for 5 minutes until foamy. Add salt and flour, and mix until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, cover with a tea towel, and let rise for 10 minutes.
- Shape the Loaf: Roll dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll into a log.
- Cut and Twist: Place the log on a parchment-lined sheet. Slice down the center, leaving one end attached. Twist sections together, keeping cut sides up, and tuck ends under.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 23-25 minutes until golden.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, butter, and cream. Drizzle over cooled loaf or use cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- For a fruity variation, add sautéed apples to the filling.
- Sprinkle nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Store at room temperature for up to 48 hours or freeze for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
