Description
Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Cake
Description: A hint of cinnamon and a soft loaf cake make this the perfect fall-inspired treat. Pair it with your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy day!
Ingredients:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup sugar
½ cup melted butter
2 eggs
¾ cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
Beat sugar and butter; add eggs, milk, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
Pour batter into the pan and sprinkle with topping.
Bake for 50-55 minutes. Cool and enjoy.
#FallFavoriteCake
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect loaf every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 ¾ cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup sugar with ½ cup melted, cooled butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the 2 eggs, one at a time, followed by ¾ cup milk and 2 tsp vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until the batter is smooth and no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile cake is delicious on its own but can be elevated for any occasion. For a simple breakfast, serve a warm slice with a pat of salted butter. As an afternoon treat, pair it with a cup of chai tea or strong coffee. For dessert, top a slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
How-to Summary
In short: Preheat oven and prepare pan. Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry mixes gently. Pour into pan, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar topping, and bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use oil instead of butter? Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of a neutral oil like vegetable or canola. The texture will be slightly more moist, and the flavor less rich.
How should I store this loaf cake? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why did my cake sink in the middle? This is often due to underbaking or opening the oven door too early. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and test for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I add nuts or fruit? Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even apple chunks into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
My topping sank into the batter. What happened? The topping may sink if the batter is too thin or if it’s sprinkled on too heavily. Ensure your batter is thick and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar lightly and evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Using hot melted butter: If the butter is too hot, it can cook the eggs when mixed. Let it cool slightly.
- Not properly preparing the pan: Ensure the pan is well-greased to prevent sticking. Lining it with parchment paper is a foolproof method.
- Overbaking or underbaking: Start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Cake is the epitome of simple, comforting baking. With its tender crumb and warm spiced topping, it’s a versatile treat perfect for any time of day. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you’re guaranteed a delicious result. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or as a sweet evening dessert, this loaf is sure to become a cherished fall favorite in your home.