The Comforting Cinnamon Loaf is a delightful baked good that combines the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon with the rich texture of a classic loaf. This loaf offers a sweet and spicy aroma that fills the kitchen, making it the perfect treat for those cooler days when you crave something comforting. The addition of eggnog adds a unique touch, enhancing the richness of the loaf while pairing beautifully with the cinnamon sugar layers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
You'll love this recipe because it's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon and eggnog. The loaf is moist and tender, with a delightful balance of sweet and spicy. The layers of cinnamon sugar provide a lovely crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. The recipe is straightforward, making it easy to whip up a batch of this cozy treat whenever you want to indulge.
Perfect Occasion:
This Comforting Cinnamon Loaf is perfect for any occasion where you want to share a warm and inviting treat with family or friends. It's ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The loaf also makes a great gift, as it can be easily packaged and shared with loved ones during the holiday season or any time of year.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance the presentation of this loaf, you can dust the top with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar after baking. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the loaf. You can also drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for an extra touch of elegance. A few cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon can be used as a garnish for a festive touch.
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup refrigerated eggnog
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Microwave the refrigerated eggnog for 30 seconds and then mix it into the batter. Whisk in the egg just until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Layer and Bake: Pour half of the batter into the lined loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top of the batter. Add the remaining batter evenly on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This loaf can be enjoyed as a comforting treat at any time.
Enjoy!