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To make a delicious Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake, you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice) - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the swirl) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) These ingredients create a rich and flavorful cake with a sweet cinnamon swirl. If you need to change some ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil if you want a dairy-free version. - Replace buttermilk with yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar. - For a nut-free option, skip the walnuts or pecans. These swaps keep the cake tasty and still enjoyable. Selecting great ingredients makes a big difference. Here are my tips: - Choose fresh flour. Check the date on the package. - Use good-quality butter. It adds richness to the cake. - Select fresh eggs. They help the cake rise well. - Pick ground cinnamon that smells strong and sweet. Fresh spices bring out the best flavors. - For brown sugar, choose the kind that feels moist. This keeps your cake soft. High-quality ingredients lead to an amazing Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake that everyone will love! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set this mix aside. In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until it turns light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture while adding 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mix. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until smooth. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you like. Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Add the rest of the batter on top, then finish with the remaining cinnamon swirl. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl this mixture into the batter. This adds a lovely marbled look. Bake your cake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen! One big mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing makes the cake dense. Another mistake is using cold ingredients. Always let butter and eggs warm up. This helps the batter mix better. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time. Letting the cake cool helps it set properly. To get a light and fluffy loaf, beat the butter and sugar until they look creamy. Use room temperature butter for the best results. When adding the eggs, mix one at a time. This helps each egg blend in well. For the flour, gently fold it in with the buttermilk. This keeps the batter airy. You can make this cake your own with fun add-ins. Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. If you want a fruity twist, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins. These little changes can make your cinnamon swirl loaf special. {{image_2}} You can make a gluten-free version of this cake. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This makes the cake just as tasty. Keep in mind that some gluten-free flours absorb more liquid. You may need to adjust the amount of buttermilk. Start with 1 cup and add more if needed. To make this cake vegan, you can swap the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. For buttermilk, mix almond milk with vinegar or lemon juice. These swaps keep the cake moist and flavorful. You can add different flavors to your cake. For a chocolate twist, mix in cocoa powder. Replace one-fourth cup of flour with cocoa powder. For pumpkin spice, add pumpkin puree and a blend of spices like nutmeg and ginger. Mix in chocolate chips for a fun surprise. Each of these variations brings a new taste to your loaf cake. To keep your leftover cinnamon swirl loaf cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This method helps keep moisture in the cake. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Freezing this cake is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice the cake into individual pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the slices for up to three months. When you want to enjoy a piece, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Cinnamon swirl loaf cake stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. To enjoy the best flavor and texture, eat it within the first few days. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. You can check if the cake is done by using a toothpick. Stick it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there is batter on the toothpick, give it more time. The cake usually takes about 50 to 60 minutes to bake. Each oven is different, so keep an eye on it. Yes, you can use regular milk. If you don't have buttermilk, make a quick substitute. Just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. It helps keep the cake moist and fluffy. Cinnamon swirl loaf cake is great on its own. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce makes it even better. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, adds a nice touch too. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. In this post, we explored the art of making a delicious cinnamon swirl loaf cake. We covered the key ingredients, including quality options and useful substitutions. I shared clear, step-by-step instructions to create the batter, swirl, and bake. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and tried variations for different diets, like gluten-free and vegan. Finally, we discussed the best storage methods to keep your cake fresh. With these tips, you can bake a loaf that is sure to impress! Enjoy your baking!

Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake with this easy recipe! This moist and flavorful cake combines cinnamon and sugar for a sweet swirl that will impress your family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll have a scrumptious loaf ready to enjoy in no time. Click through to discover how to bake this delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the swirl)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

        Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

            In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.

              Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the swirl mixture, and then top with the rest of the cinnamon swirl. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                  Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 10 slices