This Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful blend of sweet, warm cinnamon and soft, moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The cinnamon swirl running through the middle of the loaf creates a beautiful marbled effect, and the crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping adds just the right amount of texture. Drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze, this loaf is an ideal treat to serve for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Its warm, comforting flavors will have everyone coming back for more, whether you’re serving it with coffee, tea, or as an afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cinnamon swirl loaf is quick to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and cinnamon creates a perfect harmony of sweetness and spice. The loaf is moist yet fluffy, with a wonderful balance of textures thanks to the cinnamon swirl and topping. And let’s not forget the vanilla glaze—it adds a sweet, creamy finish that elevates the loaf to a whole new level of indulgence. The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any fancy equipment, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon that fills your kitchen as it bakes is absolutely irresistible!
Perfect Occasion to Make This Recipe
This cinnamon swirl loaf is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, when you want to bake something special without too much effort. It’s also great for brunches, family gatherings, or even as a sweet afternoon snack with coffee or tea. If you’re hosting guests or attending a potluck, this loaf will be a hit thanks to its beautiful presentation and comforting flavors. You can also make it ahead of time, as it stays moist for a couple of days, making it a convenient treat to have on hand during the week.
Decoration Tips
Once your loaf has cooled, drizzle it generously with the vanilla glaze for a simple yet elegant finish. To make it even more visually appealing, you can dust the top with a little extra cinnamon or sprinkle on a few chopped nuts for texture. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the glaze. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, slice the loaf thickly and plate it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent presentation.
Ingredients:
For the loaf:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the vanilla glaze:
- 1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Method:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the egg, 1 cup of milk, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a smaller bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of milk to create your swirl mixture.
- Assemble the loaf: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon swirl. Use the knife again to create a marbled effect.
- Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing.
- Make the vanilla glaze: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more sugar or milk.
- Finish and serve: Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top. Slice and serve.
Enjoy!