James
This soft, rich, and flavorful cinnamon swirl cream cheese bread combines a tender buttery dough with a creamy filling and ribbons of sweet cinnamon sugar throughout. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert, this loaf has a beautiful texture and a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Rise Time: 1½–2 hours
- Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
- Total Time: About 3½ hours
Yield
- 1 large loaf
- 10–12 servings
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup warm water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl combine:
- Flour
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
Mix thoroughly.
In another bowl whisk together:
- Warm milk
- Warm water
- Melted butter
- Eggs
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
If necessary add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
Step 2: First Rise
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl.
Turn once so the surface is coated.
Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm location until doubled in size.
This usually takes about 60–90 minutes.
The dough should become puffy and airy.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the filling.
In a medium bowl combine:
- Softened cream cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla
- Egg yolk
Beat until completely smooth.
No lumps should remain.
Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl combine:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Mix until evenly blended.
Set aside.
Step 5: Shape the Bread
Punch down the risen dough.
Transfer to a lightly floured work surface.
Roll into a large rectangle approximately:
- 10 inches wide
- 16 inches long
Brush the surface with melted butter.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the dough.
Leave a small border around the edges.
Spread the cream cheese filling carefully over the cinnamon layer.
Use an offset spatula for easy spreading.
Step 6: Roll and Form
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Pinch seams closed.
Place seam-side down.
For a decorative effect:
- Slice the log lengthwise
- Twist both halves together
- Keep cut sides facing upward
Transfer to a greased loaf pan.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover loosely.
Allow to rise again for 30–45 minutes.
The dough should become noticeably puffy.
Meanwhile preheat the oven to:
350°F (175°C)
Step 8: Egg Wash
Whisk together:
- Egg
- Milk
Brush over the top of the loaf.
This creates a shiny golden crust.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 40–50 minutes.
The loaf should be:
- Deep golden brown
- Firm on top
- Fully cooked in the center
If browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes.
The internal temperature should reach approximately 190°F (88°C).
Step 10: Cool
Remove from oven.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack.
Cool completely before glazing.
Cooling helps the filling set properly.
Step 11: Make the Glaze
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
Adjust thickness as desired.
Drizzle generously over the cooled loaf.
Allow several minutes for the glaze to set.
Serving Ideas
This bread is delicious served:
- Warm with coffee
- Alongside tea
- With fresh fruit
- For holiday breakfasts
- As a sweet brunch centerpiece
- As an afternoon snack
- Lightly toasted with butter
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Store up to 5 days.
Freezer
Wrap slices individually.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and warm before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a silky filling.
- Do not overfill the loaf or it may leak during baking.
- Knead thoroughly for the best texture.
- Allow full cooling before slicing.
- Use fresh cinnamon for maximum flavor.
- A stand mixer can simplify kneading.
- Bread flour may be substituted for a slightly chewier texture.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- A pinch of nutmeg adds extra warmth.
- The loaf tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.
This homemade cinnamon swirl cream cheese bread has a wonderfully soft crumb, rich creamy center, fragrant cinnamon layers, and a beautiful bakery-style appearance that makes it ideal for special breakfasts, gatherings, and comforting homemade treats.
