Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful, aromatic treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. This loaf combines a tender, buttery batter with a rich cinnamon swirl, topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe to make this delicious loaf.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at 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
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat 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.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Preparing the Swirl
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and milk to create a thick paste.
Assembling the Loaf
- Layer the Batter and Swirl:
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the loaf.
Baking
- Bake the Loaf:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Loaf:
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Even Swirling: Use a butter knife or skewer to create a more even and attractive swirl pattern.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon swirl for added texture and flavor.
- Glaze Option: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of flour? A: You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
Q: How should I store the Cinnamon Swirl Loaf? A: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I substitute the sour cream? A: Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
Q: What can I serve with this loaf? A: This loaf pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Q: Can I make this loaf without the topping? A: Yes, the loaf will still be delicious without the cinnamon-sugar topping, but it will lack that extra crunch and sweetness.
The Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a perfect blend of tender, buttery cake with a delightful cinnamon swirl and crunchy topping. This recipe is easy to make and yields a loaf that’s great for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as a sweet treat after dinner, this loaf is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy baking and indulging in this deliciously aromatic loaf!
