Why did my cinnamon swirl separate or sink to the bottom?

This usually happens if you've swirled the cinnamon sugar too deeply into the wet batter. The key is to keep your toothpick or knife just on the surface of the mini pumpkin bread batter, creating a shallow swirl that won’t fall.

How can I enhance boxed pumpkin bread mix to make it taste homemade?

To enhance a boxed mix, try adding a spoonful of pure canned pumpkin, an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a splash of vanilla extract. For a textural boost, you can fold in chocolate chips or toasted nuts.

Does Trader Joe's pumpkin bread mix have cinnamon?

Yes, the popular Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix contains cinnamon as one of its primary spices, along with nutmeg and ginger, giving it that classic fall flavor profile.

Do cinnamon and pumpkin go together?

Absolutely! The warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon is the perfect complement to the earthy, mild sweetness of pumpkin. They are a classic pairing in everything from pies and breads to lattes and cookies.

What flavor pairs best with pumpkin?

Pumpkin pairs wonderfully with a variety of flavors! Beyond cinnamon, it's amazing with other fall spices like nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It also goes well with maple syrup, brown sugar, and nuts like pecans and walnuts.

How do you know when mini loaves are done?

The best way to tell is to insert a toothpick into the center of a mini loaf. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, it’s done. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs a little more time.

Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl: The Easy 40-Minute Treat

Description

This Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl recipe is the coziest, most irresistible fall treat you’ll ever bake, promising a perfectly moist crumb and a ribbon of cinnamon sugar that won’t sink to the bottom. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the smell of warm spices and create a sweet, comforting snack that’s ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the middle. Grease your mini loaf pans and line them with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bread out later.
Mix the Wet: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, both sugars, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy.
Sift the Dry: Sift or sprinkle the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt directly over the wet ingredients.
Combine Gently: Using your whisk, mix everything together just until no dry streaks of flour are visible. Don’t overmix!
Fill the Pans: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared mini loaf pans.
Create the Swirl: Sprinkle a generous amount of your cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter. Take a toothpick or a knife and gently swirl it through the top of the batter, being careful not to go all the way to the bottom.
Bake Away: Pop them in the oven. If you’re using mini loaf pans, bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean.
Cool Completely: Let the bread cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before using the parchment paper sling to lift them out. Let them cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Expert Tips: Don’t overmix the batter! The toothpick test is your best friend. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.

Storing and Reheating: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini loaf
Calories: 300
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: mini pumpkin bread, cinnamon swirl, pumpkin bread recipe, fall baking, small batch, quick bread, cozy dessert, homemade pumpkin bread