Imagine waking up to the most irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Loaf isn't just another recipe—it's a morning miracle that transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience. With its perfect balance of soft, tender crumb and decadent cinnamon swirls, this loaf promises to elevate your morning routine from mundane to magical in just one heavenly slice.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Gradually pour in the milk, mixing until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated with the butter and eggs.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for the swirl.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a marbled effect by gently swirling with a knife.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve at room temperature. Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the most consistent mixing and best texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense loaf.
- Swirling Technique: For the most beautiful marbled effect, use a knife to create gentle, random swirls in the batter. Don't overmix the cinnamon-sugar layer.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your loaf is perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent it from breaking apart.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
