Mouthwatering Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Cozy Small Batch Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Fall baking reaches new heights with this small batch cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread that delivers maximum flavor in a perfectly portioned loaf.

Warm spices dance through every tender slice, creating a cozy autumn experience right in your kitchen.

The delicate swirls of cinnamon create stunning visual appeal and irresistible aroma that fills your home.

Moist and rich, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat perfect for quiet mornings or afternoon tea.

Each bite offers a luxurious blend of pumpkin earthy sweetness and cinnamon warm complexity.

Bakers looking for a compact yet impressive dessert will adore this small-batch version that ensures no waste and pure enjoyment.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s turn seasonal ingredients into a memorable masterpiece that celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 23-30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Small Batch Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the batter and adds richness, choose fresh large eggs at room temperature for best results.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb, opt for pure cane sugar.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes, look for soft, clump-free brown sugar.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture and autumnal flavor, select 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist texture, choose a neutral-flavored oil like canola or light olive oil.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the bread's structure, use fresh flour and avoid clumps by sifting.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy, check for freshness before using.
  • Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening and helps balance acidity, ensure it's not expired.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers warm autumn flavors, can substitute with individual spices if needed.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies other flavors, use fine table salt for even distribution.
For Cinnamon Swirl Topping:
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Adds sweet, spicy swirl and beautiful appearance, mix freshly ground cinnamon with granulated sugar for best flavor.

Tools to Bake Small Batch Pumpkin Bread

  • Medium Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients smoothly and easily.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without lumps and creating a uniform mixture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sifter or Fine-Mesh Strainer: Helps evenly distribute dry ingredients and prevent clumps.
  • Brownie Pan or Mini Loaf Pans: Determines the shape and size of your pumpkin bread.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy bread removal and prevents sticking.
  • Toothpick or Knife: Useful for swirling cinnamon sugar and checking bread doneness.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.

Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread – Baking Instructions

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Delight

  • Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your baking pan and give it a light coating of grease, then line with parchment paper for easy bread removal.

  • Mixing Magic

Grab a big bowl and whisk together egg, sugars, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla until everything looks silky smooth. The mixture should look like a creamy autumn sunset.

  • Dry Ingredient Dance

Sprinkle flour, baking powder, spices, and a pinch of salt over the wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined – no need for aggressive stirring.

  • Cinnamon Swirl Surprise

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Scatter cinnamon sugar across the top like fallen leaves. Use a knife to create beautiful swirls, letting your creativity flow.

  • Baking Bliss

Slide the pan into the warm oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, keeping an eye on the golden-brown color. Check with a toothpick – it should come out mostly clean.

  • Cooling Comfort

Let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper and place on a cooling rack. The aroma will fill your kitchen with autumn magic.

Tips for Small Batch Pumpkin Bread with Swirls

  • Replace pumpkin pie spice with warm chai masala or apple pie spice blend for a unique flavor twist that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or toasted pumpkin seeds to add delightful crunch and nutty depth to each slice of bread.
  • Drizzle cream cheese glaze or maple icing over the cooled bread to create an indulgent finishing touch that makes the dessert more decadent.
  • Substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining the bread's soft, tender crumb.
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious treat is always within reach whenever a craving strikes.

Ways to Present Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

  • Fall Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm, spiced pumpkin bread with a steaming mug of coffee or creamy chai tea for a cozy morning treat that feels like a hug from your kitchen.
  • Dessert Elegance: Transform slices into a decadent dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzling with a rich cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual mini loaves in cute parchment paper and twine for charming homemade gifts that spread autumn happiness to friends, neighbors, or teachers.
  • Afternoon Tea Partner: Slice and serve alongside a selection of soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone for an elegant midday snack that balances sweet and creamy flavors.

Storing Small Batch Pumpkin Bread Easily

  • Fridge Fresh Technique: Store your cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freezer Friend Strategy: Slice the bread before freezing, then place pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently in the microwave for a quick treat.
  • Counter Comfort Method: Keep bread at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and maintain the bread's soft texture.
  • Portion Control Hack: Cut the entire loaf into individual servings before storing. This allows easy grab-and-go snacking and helps control portion sizes for healthier enjoyment throughout the week.
Print
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Mouthwatering Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Mouthwatering Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Moist pumpkin bread with irresistible cinnamon swirl ribbons delights palates with seasonal warmth. Spiced notes and rich texture invite bakers to savor each tender slice, creating memorable autumn moments.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup pure canned pumpkin
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 2 to 3 tbsps cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheating: Warm the oven to 350°F (176°C) with the rack centered for optimal heat distribution.
  2. Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease mini loaf or brownie pan wells and create parchment paper slings for effortless bread extraction.
  3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk egg, sugars, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla until the mixture achieves a silky, homogeneous texture.
  4. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt over the liquid base, gently folding until no flour streaks remain.
  5. Batter Deployment: Evenly distribute the batter across the prepared pan, ensuring consistent volume in each compartment.
  6. Cinnamon Sugar Embellishment: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the unbaked bread’s surface.
  7. Decorative Swirling: Use a toothpick or thin knife to create intricate, marbled patterns by gently dragging the cinnamon sugar through the batter.
  8. Baking Precision: For brownie pan configuration, bake 20-23 minutes; for mini loaf pans, extend to 28-30 minutes until the toothpick test reveals minimal, moist crumbs.
  9. Cooling Protocol: Rest the bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove using parchment paper handles and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before slicing.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a tender, soft bread texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Precise Pan Selection: Different pan sizes affect baking time and texture, so adjust cooking duration accordingly and watch closely to prevent overbaking.
  • Cinnamon Swirl Technique: Use a light hand when creating swirls, dragging toothpick in gentle zigzag motions to distribute sugar evenly without completely mixing it into batter.
  • Storage Strategy: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for extended freshness up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23-30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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