Name: Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large egg; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark); ½ cup pure canned pumpkin; ¼ cup canola oil (or any neutral oil); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ⅛ teaspoon baking soda; 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 to 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (3/4 teaspoon cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar)

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If you adore the cozy flavors of fall and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon filling your kitchen, then this Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, moist bread infused with rich pumpkin and warm spices, crowned with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl that crisps up beautifully on top. Perfectly portioned into adorable mini loaves, this recipe is versatile, quick to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself to a seasonal delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible on the top right. Inside the bowl are five visible layers: a large dollop of orange pumpkin puree in the top left, a cracked raw egg with a bright yellow yolk and clear white slightly to the right of the pumpkin, a mound of light brown sugar at the bottom right next to the egg, a mound of white granulated sugar at the bottom left, and a small pool of dark brown liquid syrup on the right edge next to the brown sugar, all arranged separately without mixing. A metal whisk lies to the bottom right outside the bowl, resting partially on a brown cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to bring this recipe to life. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of moisture, spice, and sweetness that makes these mini loaves truly unforgettable.

1 large egg: Acts as the binding agent, adding structure and a light texture to the bread.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark): Adds depth and a gentle caramel note for richness.
½ cup pure canned pumpkin: The star ingredient, it infuses the bread with moisture and earthy pumpkin flavor.
¼ cup canola oil (or any neutral oil): Keeps the bread moist and tender with a subtle richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spices and rounds out the flavor profile.
¾ cup all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and crumb to the bread.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives the bread a gentle lift for a soft bite.
⅛ teaspoon baking soda: Helps balance acidity and contributes to leavening.
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warming spices that embodies the essence of fall.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
2 to 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar: The magical topping that creates a sweet, crunchy swirl on each loaf.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the middle for even baking. Lightly grease your mini loaf pans and line them with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang to easily lift the loaves out later. This step ensures a hassle-free release and perfectly shaped loaves.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, canola oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend creates the moist base of your pumpkin bread, promising a tender crumb with every bite.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift or sprinkle the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt over the wet ingredients. Gently whisk until there are no dry streaks left — careful not to overmix to keep the bread light and fluffy. Using a fine mesh strainer for the dry ingredients ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top of each loaf’s batter, then use a toothpick or knife to create gentle swirls just on the surface. This cinnamon swirl not only adds a visually appealing pattern but also forms that signature sweet, crunchy topping that makes these mini loaves stand out.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 28 to 30 minutes if using mini loaf pans, or about 20 to 23 minutes if you’re using a brownie pan with individual wells. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before gently lifting them out using the parchment sling to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves Recipe

Three slices of brown spiced cake with a sugar and cinnamon topping are stacked slightly overlapped on a piece of brown parchment paper. The parchment sits on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. The texture of the cake looks soft and moist with small air holes visible inside. Parts of the rest of the loaf with the same topping are visible at the edges. A soft white cloth and small pumpkins blur in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your mini loaves by adding a pat of softened butter or a light drizzle of maple glaze that complements the cinnamon and pumpkin flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or chopped toasted pecans on top adds a lovely touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These mini loaves pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or creamy latte for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat. For a heartier snack, serve alongside whipped cream cheese or a small bowl of spiced applesauce for contrasting textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, arrange several mini loaves on a rustic wooden board with seasonal accents like cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, or autumn leaves. Wrapping individual loaves in parchment with twine makes for perfect homemade gifts or party favors that invite everyone to enjoy this delicious Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your mini loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their signature moistness. Keeping them wrapped tightly ensures the cinnamon swirl stays crisp and delightful.

Freezing

These mini loaves freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat. Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to two months without losing any of their cozy pumpkin spice charm.

Reheating

To enjoy a fresh-baked taste, thaw your mini loaf overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a 325-degree oven for about 10 minutes. The warmth revives the soft texture and highlights the cinnamon sugar crunch every time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it first, then measure out ½ cup to substitute. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin has a higher moisture content, so you may notice a subtly different texture but just as delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. This substitution keeps the bread tender and flavorful without compromising the texture.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can make your own blend using ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to replace the pumpkin pie spice. Typically, 1 ½ teaspoons equals a combination of about 1 teaspoon cinnamon plus a dash of each other spice.

Is there a way to make these loaves vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar if you prefer. Also, ensure your oil is plant-based (canola or coconut oil work well).

How can I scale this recipe to make a full-size loaf?

You can easily double the ingredients and bake the batter in a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick. Just keep an eye on the cinnamon sugar topping so it doesn’t burn.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a warm hug from the inside out, capturing all the reasons we love fall baking. Easy, quick, and full of heart, these mini loaves are perfect for sharing or savoring in quiet moments. Once you try them, they’ll surely become a staple in your seasonal repertoire – so go on, give this recipe a whirl and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible flavors and smiles.