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Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake

A moist, tender vanilla quick bread with a thick ribbon of cinnamon sugar and a crunchy caramelized topping.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Home Baking
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk or milk mixed with vinegar
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg large
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl & Topping
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted (optional)

Equipment

  • Loaf pan (9x5)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan lightly with oil or cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  7. Sprinkle roughly 3/4 of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
  8. Top with the remaining batter, smoothing it out carefully. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture on top.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For a swirl effect, run a knife through the batter after adding the cinnamon layer. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.