Almond Ricotta Cinnamon Swirl Bread – Cozy Aroma, Big Smiles 😊

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this Almond Ricotta Cinnamon Swirl Bread with you. There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked bread that instantly fills a home with warmth and joy. Growing up, my nonna always had a sweet bread cooling on the counter—sometimes with citrus zest, sometimes with nuts, but always with love.

This recipe is my little twist on those comforting loaves: the creaminess of ricotta, the nutty flavor of almond flour, and a cinnamon swirl that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s the kind of bread that will make your kitchen smell like heaven and your family gather around with big smiles.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What is Almond Ricotta Cinnamon Swirl Bread?

It’s a sweet, tender quick bread made with a combination of all-purpose flour, almond flour, and creamy ricotta cheese. The star of the show is the cinnamon sugar swirl baked right inside, topped with sliced almonds for crunch.

Why You’ll Love It

• Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
• Stays moist thanks to the ricotta.
• Beautiful swirl pattern makes it look like a bakery treat.
• Nutty almonds + warm cinnamon = flavor harmony!

Taste & Texture

Imagine biting into a soft, slightly dense slice with creamy ricotta notes, nutty almond undertones, and that sweet cinnamon ribbon. It’s rich without being heavy, and the sliced almond topping adds a delightful crunch.

Health/Nutritional Benefits

• Almond flour adds healthy fats and protein.
• Ricotta makes it extra moist with added calcium.
• Lower sugar than many sweet breads.

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (for topping)

For the cinnamon swirl:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Tools Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Hand or stand mixer (optional)
• Toothpick for swirl testing

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap ricotta for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (blended smooth).
• Use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
• Add raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for extra sweetness.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Almond Ricotta Cinnamon Swirl Bread

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1. Prepare the swirl. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk ricotta, sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Layer & swirl. Pour half the batter into a greased loaf pan, spread the cinnamon swirl mixture on top, then add the rest of the batter. Drag a knife through the layers for a pretty swirl.
6. Top with almonds. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.
7. Bake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool & enjoy. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.

Your house will smell amazing—guaranteed!

What to Serve with Almond Ricotta Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• A warm latte, cappuccino, or chai tea.
• Fresh fruit salad with berries and oranges.
• As dessert, lightly toast a slice and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps it tender.
• Always use room-temperature ricotta and eggs for a smooth blend.
• If the loaf browns too quickly, tent with foil during baking.
• For a stronger cinnamon kick, add extra swirl layers!

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Keeps up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or reheat gently.

General Information

Sweet swirl breads have roots in many cultures—think babka, panettone, and Swedish cinnamon bread. My version leans into Italian-American tradition with ricotta for richness and almonds for that nutty Mediterranean touch. Perfect around the holidays or for Sunday brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, but whole milk ricotta gives a richer texture.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely—bake a day ahead and store wrapped for best flavor.

3. What if I don’t have almond flour?
Replace with equal parts all-purpose flour.

4. Can I make it in muffin form?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes in a muffin tin.

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Conclusion

This Almond Ricotta Cinnamon Swirl Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a memory in the making. The cozy aroma, the tender crumb, the smile it brings to loved ones… it’s the kind of bake that feels like home.

If you enjoyed this, you might also love:

• Pistachio Ricotta Cake
• Almond Cake with Lemon Glaze
• Classic Cinnamon Rolls
• Ricotta Pancakes
• Banana Walnut Bread

Happy baking, my friends! Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share your beautiful loaf with me.

Interactive Elements

• Leave a review or comment below if you try this recipe—I’d love to hear your twist!
• Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your bakes—I’ll feature my favorites!

Nutritional Information (per slice, 10 slices)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Saturated Fat	Fiber	Sodium
245	7g	28g	12g	11g	4g	2g	160mg

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