Cinnamon Bread with Raisins

This Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread recipe is simple, cozy, and filled with that warm cinnamon aroma that makes your kitchen… The post Cinnamon Bread with Raisins appeared first on Recipe Girl®.

Food & Nutritions Apr 20, 2026 0 1 Add to Reading List

This Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread recipe is simple, cozy, and filled with that warm cinnamon aroma that makes your kitchen smell incredible while it bakes.

This isn’t a cinnamon yeast bread or anything complicated—it’s a true cinnamon raisin quick bread, which means no rising time, no kneading, and no fuss. Just mix, swirl, bake and enjoy.

What makes this version extra special is the generous cinnamon sugar swirl layered right into the middle and top of the bread, plus a light drizzle of glaze that gives it just the right amount of sweetness.

It’s a great breakfast bread recipe, awesome for afternoon snacking, or even for dessert with a cup of coffee or tea. Think of it as an alternative to baking a cinnamon coffee cake.

There are a lot of cinnamon raisin breads out there—but this one has a few standout features:

• A true quick bread (no yeast, no waiting), which makes it an easy cinnamon bread recipe
• A layered cinnamon sugar swirl instead of just mixed-in spice
• A lightly sweet glaze that finishes the loaf beautifully
• A soft, tender crumb thanks to buttermilk
• There are no nuts, but if you prefer them then you can bake our cinnamon pecan bread.

It’s more like a cross between cinnamon swirl bread and a soft breakfast loaf, which makes it incredibly easy—and very hard to stop slicing.

ingredients displayed for making cinnamon bread with raisins

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the loaf soft.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Baking Soda & Salt: Give the bread lift and balance the flavors.
Raisins: Classic in cinnamon bread—soft, slightly sweet and chewy.
Buttermilk: Keeps the bread moist and adds a subtle tang.
Egg: Helps bind everything together.
Oil: Creates a soft texture that stays moist for days.

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Granulated Sugar + Cinnamon: This is where all that warm, cozy flavor comes from. Layering it instead of mixing it in gives you that signature swirl.

Simple Glaze

Powdered Sugar + Milk: Adds a light sweetness and makes the loaf feel just a little extra special.

four photos showing how to make cinnamon bread with raisins

How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread

Mix the Batter: Whisk together the dry ingredients, then stir in the raisins. Add the buttermilk, egg and oil, and mix just until combined.
Create the Cinnamon Swirl: Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, then repeat with the remaining batter and topping. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers.
Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Add the Glaze: Drizzle the simple glaze over the cooled loaf for a lightly sweet finish.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the bread tender.
Use fresh cinnamon: It makes a big difference in flavor.
Swirl gently: Too much swirling can mix the layers instead of creating ribbons.
Check for doneness early: Ovens vary—start checking around 45 minutes.
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. Store wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Slice and freeze in a freezer zip baggie for up to 2 months. Toast slices straight from frozen.

loaf of cinnamon bread with raisins covered with glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No mixer needed—just a bowl and spoon
• Ready in about an hour
• Warm, cozy cinnamon flavor in every bite
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch or snacking
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead
• It’s a little something different than classic banana bread, pumpkin bread or zucchini bread.

This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

loaf of cinnamon bread with raisins sliced open

Variations to Try

Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch.
Make It Orange-Spiced: Add a little orange zest for brightness.
Skip the Glaze: For a less sweet version, leave it off.
Use Golden Raisins: For a slightly lighter, sweeter flavor.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This bread is perfect on its own, but even better with:

• Butter or cream cheese
• A drizzle of honey
• Toasted with a little extra cinnamon sugar
• Iced coffee, hot tea or a vanilla latte

two slices of cinnamon bread with raisins on plate

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of buttermilk and oil creates a soft, moist crumb, while the layered cinnamon sugar gives you those beautiful swirls of flavor throughout the bread.

It’s simple, reliable, and delivers that classic cinnamon-raisin flavor without any complicated steps.

This is one of those recipes that feels like it’s been around forever—in the best way. It’s simple, comforting and always hits the spot. I love making it on a quiet morning and enjoying a slice with coffee while it’s still just a little warm.

Cinnamon Bread with Raisins

Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread is a soft, easy loaf with a sweet cinnamon swirl and raisins, perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Keyword bread, cinnamon, raisin

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings servings (1 loaf)

Calories 270kcal

Author Lori Lange

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup raisins
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
¼ cup canola or vegetable oil

CINNAMON SUGAR SWIRL:

½ cup granulated white sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

GLAZE:

¼ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray the bottom only of a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in the raisins. Add the buttermilk, egg and oil, and stir to combine until moistened.

COMBINE THE CINNAMON/SUGAR:

In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup sugar with the cinnamon.

CREATE THE LOAF

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar. Carefully, spoon in the remaining batter. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar. Cut throught the batter with a knife to swirl.
Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, and then remove the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.