Cinnamon Swirl Cake
Indulge in the homely charm of our Cinnamon Swirl Cake recipe! Perfectly balanced with sweet cinnamon and a soft, tender crumb, this cake promises a cozy treat for any cinnamon lover. Ready in just an hour, it’s a must-try for your next gathering!
Personal Story Behind the Cinnamon Swirl Cake Recipe
Every recipe has its tale, and my Cinnamon Swirl Cake is no different. This recipe is more than just a delightful blend of sugar and spice; it’s a nostalgic journey back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was always thick with the aroma of cinnamon and love. As a child, I would stand on a stool next to her, a wooden spoon in hand, eager to swirl the batter just right, under her watchful eyes. Those afternoons spent baking and bonding over stories are some of my fondest memories, infused into every slice of this heartwarming cake.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Cake Recipe
Our Cinnamon Swirl Cake isn’t just another cake; it’s a testament to timeless baking joy and simplicity. Here’s why it stands out from the crowd:
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizing everyday ingredients that you likely have in your pantry, this cake is a fuss-free delight.
- Easy Preparation: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, its appeal is universal.
- Comforting Flavor: The warm, rich taste of cinnamon paired with a tender crumb offers a comforting treat, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredient Notes for the Cinnamon Swirl Cake
To ensure your Cinnamon Swirl Cake turns out perfectly, here are some handy notes on the ingredients:
- Brown Sugar: Using light brown sugar in the swirl adds a moistness and depth of flavor that white sugar can’t match.
- Cinnamon: Quality matters! For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon.
- All-Purpose Flour: Be sure to spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid a dense cake.
- Milk & Eggs: Always use these ingredients at room temperature to ensure a smoother batter that rises beautifully.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Let’s break down the baking process into detailed, easy-to-follow steps to guarantee your Cinnamon Swirl Cake comes out perfectly:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your loaf pan. This ensures your cake will release easily after baking.
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. This mixture will create the flavorful swirl that gives this cake its character.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugars. This step is crucial for a uniform texture in the cake.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. These are the base of your batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until moistened. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, add half the cinnamon sugar, then repeat the layers. Swirl a knife through to marble.
- Bake: Place it in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options for Cinnamon Swirl Cake
For best results, wrap your Cinnamon Swirl Cake in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cake. For longer storage, freeze it wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Defrost on the counter overnight when ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions for Cinnamon Swirl Cake
While our classic Cinnamon Swirl Cake is a crowd-pleaser, here are some creative twists to tailor it to your taste or pantry:
- Vegan-Friendly: Swap out the egg for a flax egg and use almond milk and vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Extra Nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture and nuttiness.
- Pumpkin Spice: For a fall twist, add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix to your cinnamon sugar.
By following these steps and tips, your Cinnamon Swirl Cake will not only taste great but also bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen. Enjoy baking and more importantly, enjoy the cake!
Cinnamon Swirl Cake
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Quick Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparation of Baking Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure that the bread does not stick to the pan upon removal.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of light brown sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until well combined and set aside for later use.
- Combining Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and additional light brown sugar. Ensuring these ingredients are thoroughly mixed will aid in achieving a uniform texture in the baked product.
- Mixing Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, combine the whole milk, room temperature egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, which is critical for the consistency of the batter.
- Incorporating Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture, stirring until just moistened. It is imperative to avoid over-mixing at this stage to prevent the development of a tough bread texture.
- Layering and Marbling the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the previously prepared cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Cover this layer with the remaining batter and then the remaining cinnamon sugar. Utilize a knife to swirl through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Baking the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating that it is properly cooked.
- Cooling: After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting period helps in solidifying the structure of the bread. Subsequently, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely, which will facilitate easier slicing.
