If you adore the comforting aroma and sweet, spicy flavor of cinnamon rolls but crave an easier, sliceable version, you are in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Roll Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This delightful bread captures everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll — the tender, buttery dough, that rich cinnamon swirl packed with brown sugar and pecans, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that ties it all together in pure breakfast bliss. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weekend brunch or surprising loved ones at a holiday gathering, this bread promises every bite to taste like a warm hug wrapped in cinnamon and sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular, dark brown cake with a smooth, creamy light beige frosting spread thickly over the top, slightly dripping down the sides. The cake sits on a wire cooling rack lined with white parchment paper, which is placed on a black tray with a textured pattern. A knife with a wooden handle rests beside the cake, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; all the items are straightforward pantry staples that combine effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture in your bread. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the tang of buttermilk enriching the dough, to the pecans adding a delightful crunch that perfectly balances the soft crumb and sweet cinnamon swirl.

Flour: The backbone of your bread, providing structure and a tender crumb when combined properly.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, making each slice irresistible.
Baking powder and baking soda: These two leavening agents work together to give your bread a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and keeps the bread moist and tender.
Butter: Melted butter enriches the dough and creates that irresistible cinnamon swirl.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture for a soft, cohesive bread.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, enhancing the flavor profile.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the swirl with a caramel-like note.
Cinnamon: The star spice, offering warmth and that signature cinnamon roll taste.
Pecans: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to contrast the soft bread.
Cream cheese: For the silky, tangy frosting that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps create the smooth frosting texture.
Cream or milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for drizzling or spreading.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, ensuring it’s ready to bake your bread to golden perfection. Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the bread release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination guarantees that your bread will rise nicely and have the right balance of sweetness and seasoning.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. These ingredients create a rich, velvety batter that keeps every slice moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense texture — a few small lumps are totally fine at this stage.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and finely chopped pecans. This luscious filling will become the delicious swirls that provide bursts of cinnamon sweetness and crunch throughout the bread.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture over the top, then swirl it gently into the batter with a knife—this creates those signature cinnamon ribbons. Add the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture, swirling again carefully.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake for 40 minutes, then tent the bread loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Continue baking for another 13-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour before removing it.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk until smooth and fluffy. Add more cream if you prefer a thinner consistency. Drizzle or spread generously over the cooled bread for that extra layer of creamy sweetness.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a rectangular metal baking pan lined with white parchment paper, filled with a thick dough layer that is creamy yellow on the bottom and swirled on top with a dark brown mixture containing small pieces of nuts. The dark mixture is spread unevenly, creating a marbled effect on the dough. The surface has a slightly shiny texture, suggesting moisture. The pan sits on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top of the frosting for an elegant and textural finish that catches the eye and heightens the taste experience.

Side Dishes

This cinnamon roll bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich chai latte to complement the warming spices. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples provide a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the bread and frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bread into thick slices and serving it warm with an extra dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone. For a decadent brunch twist, top slices with fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon roll bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its freshness and softness.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300ºF for 10-12 minutes. If you prefer, microwaving for 20-30 seconds also works but can make the bread a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but it’s best to add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk to mimic the acidity of buttermilk, which helps tenderize the bread.

What if I don’t have pecans? Can I skip them?

Absolutely! Pecans add crunch and flavor, but you can omit them or swap in walnuts or almonds. Even leaving out nuts altogether still yields a delicious cinnamon swirl bread.

Is this bread suitable for freezing after frosting?

It’s best to freeze the bread unfrosted. Frosting can be added after thawing for the best texture and taste.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based buttermilk and butter alternatives, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. The dough texture may differ slightly but will still be tasty!

How long does it take to make this Cinnamon Roll Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

The total prep and bake time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including cooling and frosting, making it a fantastic treat that fits nicely into a leisurely morning or afternoon baking session.

Final Thoughts

No matter how many cinnamon rolls you’ve had, this Cinnamon Roll Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stands out with its perfect balance of soft, sweet, and spicy all in one easy-to-slice loaf. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with cozy joy.