Detroit-Style Cinnamon Swirl Bread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A sweet, chewy yeast bread with a signature deep-dish shape, featuring a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl and a buttery glaze, perfect for weekend breakfasts. This american-inspired breakfast ready in about 55 minutes combines All-purpose flour, Active dry yeast, Granulated sugar into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 12, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 12 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups flour, salt, and melted butter to yeast mixture; mix until combined, then knead on floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place dough in greased bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Punch down dough, roll into 12x16-inch rectangle on floured surface, and brush with remaining 1 tbsp melted butter.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 3 tbsp cinnamon, then roll tightly from long edge, pinching seam to seal.
  6. Step 6: Place roll seam-side down in greased 9x13-inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.
  8. Step 8: While bread bakes, whisk confectioners' sugar and 2 tbsp heavy cream to make glaze.
  9. Step 9: Drizzle glaze over warm bread immediately after removing from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Detroit-Style Cinnamon Swirl Bread take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Detroit-Style Cinnamon Swirl Bread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Detroit-Style Cinnamon Swirl Bread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Detroit-Style Cinnamon Swirl Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Detroit-Style Cinnamon Swirl Bread?

American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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