“GREAT recipe. I’ve made it 3 times this week. My family loves it. The crunchy crust is everything.”
This Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful and comforting treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. The moist, tender cake is swirled with a rich cinnamon mixture that gives it an irresistible warmth and depth of flavor.
The cinnamon sugar topping adds a nice crunch and a sweet finish, making each bite a perfect balance of textures.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, or simply on its own, this loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream
For the Swirl:
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk (whole or 2%)
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a soft, airy loaf.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This helps the batter incorporate the eggs evenly, giving the loaf its rich texture. After the eggs are fully mixed in, add the vanilla extract and beat for another 30 seconds to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add 1/2 of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Then, add the sour cream and mix again until incorporated. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure your loaf stays tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Transfer 1 cup of the batter to another medium-sized bowl. In this bowl, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk. Stir until the cinnamon-sugar mixture is smooth and fully combined. This will create the swirl that makes the loaf so special.
- Layer the Batter: Spoon a thin layer of the basic batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon batter on top of the basic batter, then add the remaining basic batter over the top, spreading it to cover the cinnamon batter.
- Swirl the Batter: Use a long skewer or knife to gently swirl the two batters together. Run the skewer or knife through the batter from side to side, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful not to overdo it; a few swirls will give you the best results.
- Prepare the Topping: In a clean bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of the cinnamon. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping on your loaf.
- Sprinkle Topping: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping over the top of the loaf, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. The topping will caramelize and create a crispy, sugary crust as it bakes.
- Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the loaf is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool the Loaf: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the loaf to firm up slightly before being removed. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it, then carefully remove the loaf and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to avoid it being too crumbly. Once cooled, slice it into generous pieces and serve. This Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or simply on its own as a delightful treat. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This ensures the batter comes together smoothly and evenly.
- For an extra moist loaf, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the loaf to be dense rather than light and fluffy.
- You can also freeze this loaf for later! Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for several hours, or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Enjoy baking, and savor every slice of this wonderful, cinnamon-filled treat!
