If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat to brighten up your mornings or sweeten up your afternoons, this cinnamon loaf cake is just what you need! With its rich, buttery flavor and delightful cinnamon swirl, it’s perfect for sharing with family or savoring all by yourself. Follow this easy recipe to whip up a loaf that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Layer the Batter and Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
6. Bake
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes.
7. Cool and Glaze
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon loaf cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to your brunch or dessert table.
Final Thoughts
With its sweet cinnamon aroma and tender crumb, this cinnamon loaf cake is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple enough for weekday enjoyment and elegant enough for holiday gatherings. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones!
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. This cake also freezes well—simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Happy baking!
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