Indulge in a delightful treat with this Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake, a fantastic addition to your collection of cake recipes with cream cheese. This easy-to-follow recipe brings together tender cake with a luscious cinnamon ribbon and a tangy cream cheese swirl, perfect for any baker.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if you prefer.
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Margarine or a plant-based butter substitute works well.
- Cream cheese: Opt for full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture in your cake recipes with cream cheese.
- Eggs: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) can be used as a substitute.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon provides the best flavor.
Ingredients
For the Loaf Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Tools Needed: 9×5 inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your cake releases cleanly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. This step helps distribute the leavening evenly for a tender crumb.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, making your cake light.
4. Add Wet Ingredients to Cake Batter
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. Your mixture might look slightly curdled, which is perfectly normal for cake recipes with cream cheese.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Stir well. This creates the delicious ribbon inside your cake.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In another small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, egg yolk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. This adds a delightful tang to your cake recipes with cream cheese.
8. Assemble the Loaf Cake
Pour about half of the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the cinnamon sugar. Repeat these layers with the remaining cake batter, cinnamon sugar, and cream cheese mixture.
9. Create the Swirl
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese and cinnamon into the batter. Do not overmix, as you want distinct layers for a beautiful finish.
10. Bake the Loaf Cake
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
11. Cool Your Cake
Let the loaf cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking.
Variation Ideas
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after it cools.
- Fold in ½ cup of shredded apples or pears into the cake batter for a fruity twist.
Storage Instructions
Store your Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese. If refrigerating, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you make this loaf cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake this cake up to 2 days in advance. Store it properly to maintain freshness.
Q: Why is my loaf cake dry?
A: Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Follow the baking times closely and mix until just combined.
Q: Can you freeze this Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
Q: What kind of cream cheese should you use?
A: Use full-fat block cream cheese, not spreadable cream cheese from a tub, for the best results in cake recipes with cream cheese.
Q: Can you use self-rising flour?
A: If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.
Q: How do you know when the cake is done?
A: A wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean, without wet batter clinging to it.