Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

This homemade sourdough cinnamon swirl bread is soft, chewy, and layered with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling. Learn how to make this beginner-friendly, no-knead sourdough cinnamon swirl bread step by step.

There’s nothing quite like pulling a warm loaf of sourdough cinnamon swirl bread out of the oven. The scent of sweet cinnamon and tangy sourdough fills your kitchen, and the swirl inside makes every slice a beautiful treat. This recipe is the perfect marriage of my no-knead, beginner-friendly sourdough bread base with a cozy cinnamon sugar twist.

Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or gifting, this bread is a comforting classic that never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just bread, it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll want to bake sourdough cinnamon swirl bread again and again:

• Sweet & Tangy Balance – The tang of sourdough pairs perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon sugar.
• No-Knead Method – My base recipe is easy and beginner-friendly, so anyone can master this loaf.
• Show-Stopping Swirl – Every slice reveals a gorgeous spiral of cinnamon sugar.
• Wholesome & Homemade – No preservatives, no store-bought additives, just real ingredients.
• Versatile – Toast it, make French toast, or enjoy as a sweet snack.

Once you try this recipe, sourdough cinnamon swirl bread will quickly become a household favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

We’ll start with my easy sourdough bread recipe as the base, then add the cinnamon swirl filling during shaping.

For the Sourdough Bread Base:

• 240 g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• 750 g filtered water (room temperature)
• 1,100 g bread flour
• 30 g salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• 10 g ground cinnamon
• 75-80 g brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

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Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Feed Your Starter

Remove your sourdough starter from the fridge, feed it with 1 cup bread flour and ¾ cup filtered water, and let it double in size (about 4–7 hours).

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the water, starter, flour, and salt until you have a shaggy dough. Cover and let rest for 1 hour.

Step 3: Stretch & Fold

Every 30 minutes, gently stretch and fold the dough over itself. Repeat 1–4 times. This builds strength without kneading.

Step 4: Bulk Fermentation

Let the dough rise for 8–10 hours, or until doubled and bubbly. Then divide into two portions.

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Adding the Cinnamon Swirl

This is where your bread becomes sourdough cinnamon swirl bread.

1. Flip the Dough
   Place your dough onto the counter, sticky side up. Gently pull it into a rough rectangle.
2. Sprinkle the Filling
   Sprinkle some of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
3. Fold & Layer
   As you fold the dough during shaping, sprinkle more of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the exposed dough. This layering creates the signature swirl inside the loaf.
4. Shape the Loaf
   Roll the dough up tightly and place it seam-side down into a greased loaf pan or proofing basket.

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Step 5: Final Proof

Let the dough proof until puffy and slightly domed, usually 1–2 hours at room temperature.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the dough in a Dutch oven (or loaf pan if you prefer) and bake covered for 35 minutes. Lower the temperature to 405°F (204°C) and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Cool & Slice

Allow the sourdough cinnamon swirl bread to cool completely before slicing so the swirl sets beautifully inside.

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Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Cinnamon – For the best flavor, make sure your cinnamon is fresh and aromatic.
• Tight Roll = Clean Swirl – Rolling tightly gives you a well-defined spiral.
• Don’t Overproof – Keep an eye on the dough during its final rise. Overproofing can cause the swirl to separate.
• Slice After Cooling – It’s tempting to cut into it warm, but waiting ensures neat slices.

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Ways to Enjoy Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Try it:

• Toasted with Butter – Simple, classic, and perfect for breakfast.
• French Toast – Cinnamon swirl sourdough French toast is brunch goals.
• Bread Pudding – Transform leftovers into a cozy dessert.
• Gift-Worthy Loaf – Wrap it up and surprise a friend or neighbor.

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Why Make It at Home?

Sure, you can buy sweet breads at the store, but nothing compares to homemade sourdough cinnamon swirl bread:

1. Fresher & Healthier – Made with real ingredients, no preservatives.
2. Customizable – Adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
3. Cost-Effective – Homemade is far cheaper than bakery prices.
4. Satisfying – There’s joy in creating a loaf from starter to finish.

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Final Thoughts

This sourdough cinnamon swirl bread is the perfect combination of tangy sourdough flavor and sweet cinnamon sugar layers. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for any gathering.

From a cozy breakfast to a festive holiday table, this bread always delivers comfort and delight. Bake a loaf, slice into that swirl, and you’ll see why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Have you tried this sourdough cinnamon swirl bread yet? Let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @karinabakeswithlove I’d love to see your bakes!