Traditional Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe (no yeast)

This recipe for homemade gluten-free cinnamon swirl bread can easily be modified for vegans. I will detail how to do it in my recipe notes below. 

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Why You'll Love This Gluten-Free Quick Cinnamon Bread

You're going to love this recipe because it's easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients you need. So, no trip to the store!

This is a cinnamon swirl quick bread! Gluten-free quick breads don't require any yeast which makes this recipe a cinch to make. 

How to make this recipe vegan

It's no problem at all to make this recipe vegan. Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the egg for a flax egg.

What is a flax egg?

A flax egg is made from flax seeds. If you mix flax seeds with water, it creates a gummy texture that can replace eggs. Bob’s Red Mill also makes a vegan egg substitute. 

Equipment

• Three large mixing bowls
• A loaf pan
• Precut parchment paper
• A rubber spatula

Ingredients

• Gluten-free flour
• Yogurt
• Unsalted butter
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla Extract

How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
• Mix the butter and sugar together. 
• Add the egg.
• After the mixture is combined, add in the vanilla extract, yogurt, and milk.
• In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• Slowly add the flour mixture to the egg-sugar mixture.
• Stir until there are no lumps.
• In another bowl, combine the 1 cup granulated sugar with the 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside.
• Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Top with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Add the rest of the batter on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Take a sharp knife and slice all the way down into the loaf batter. Make a swirling motion lengthwise across the loaf pan (see video attached to recipe card).
• Put in the oven and bake for 50 minutes.
• Take out of the oven and let cool completely. Enjoy! 

What's the Best Yeast to Use for Gluten-Free Bread?

There is no yeast in this recipe!

The Topping

This topping calls for a basic cinnamon sugar recipe.

The Gluten-Free Flour

I have two go-to gluten-free baking flours. I like either Cup4Cup gluten-free flour or Bob’s Red Mill flour. I love both of these gluten-free flour blend. They are linked below for easy access. These two brands make gluten-free baking so easy!

Recipe Notes

The cinnamon sugar on top is optional. You don't have to top the bread with cinnamon sugar. 

This recipe is best within 2 days. You can store it in the freezer for up to a week. Defrost in the toaster for a delicious treat!

FAQ

Does the Type of Gluten-Free Flour Matter?

Use a high-quality gluten-free flour when you make this bread. I like either Cup4Cup gluten-free flour or Bob’s Red Mill flour. I love both of these gluten-free flour blend. They are linked below for easy access. These two brands make gluten-free baking so easy! Xanthan gum helps bind the bread together. In regular baking, gluten in all-purpose flour acts as the binding ingredient. Gluten-free baking needs an alternative for the binding agent. That's what xanthan gum does.

How Do I Know When This Quick Bread is Done?

You can test if the bread is done by using a long toothpick. Stick the toothpick in the middle of the bread. If it comes out clean, it is done! If there is batter on the toothpick, leave the bread in the oven and check every five minutes. 

The top of the bread should be browned.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bread?

Yes, for up to a week! Slice the bread and put into a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, you can either let it sit on the counter or toast it. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or bag.

Can I add raisins to the bread?

Sure! If you want to add raisins to this recipe, add ¼ cup to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. That will make this recipe gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread.

Does the flax egg taste bad?

No! I think the flax egg tastes almost the same as a regular egg in baked goods. It's great for vegan baking and also great for when you don't have any eggs! 

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Bread?

There are so many ways to serve this cinnamon bread recipe. You can slice it and serve it hot, toast it up, serve it cold, or even make french toast with it! Or, you can wrap it up in little pink to-go boxes and tie them with a ribbon as gifts for friends and neighbors.

Do I need any special equipment?

No, this recipe can be made with a couple of mixing bowls, a loaf pan, and a rubber spatula and whisk. That's why I love this recipe so much. It's so simple to make, but it looks like a complicated baked good once it's done!

Can I use this recipe for cinnamon buns?

No, cinnamon buns require yeast. This recipe is a quick bread and doesn't call for yeast.

Can I make this loaf without milk or butter?

Sort of. If you're looking to make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil and the milk with almond milk, oat mlk, coconut milk, or even flax milk.

Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes! You can use my tips above to make a flax egg.

How do you know when the loaf has risen enough?

This cinnamon bread recipe doesn't rise a ton, but it should rise almost to the top of the loaf pan. Don't expect a pillowy soft tuft of bread to peak out over the top of the loaf pan. This recipe doesn't have yeast so it won't rise too much.

Can I Use Almond Flour?

I have never tested this recipe with almond flour. Almond flour contains more moisture than the gluten-free flour I use in this recipe. I would suggest using a gluten-free flour blend over almond flour.

What texture is this bread?

This bread has a similar texture to banana bread. The dough also looks similar to banana bread.

How much time does it take to make this recipe?

It takes about an hour. Fifty minutes in the oven and ten minutes mixing the ingredients together.