Few things feel as comforting as the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven. It instantly transforms your kitchen into a warm, inviting space and promises something delicious is on the way. This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake is exactly that kind of recipe — simple, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.

This loaf is soft, moist, buttery, and layered with rich cinnamon sugar swirls throughout. It’s perfect for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or just yourself, this cinnamon swirl loaf cake delivers big flavor with very little effort.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect homemade cinnamon loaf cake.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake

✔ Beginner-friendly and foolproof
✔ Uses simple pantry ingredients
✔ Soft, tender crumb with a buttery texture
✔ Bold cinnamon swirl in every bite
✔ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
✔ Freezer-friendly and great for gifting

This loaf is inspired by classic cinnamon bread, but baked like a cake for a softer, richer texture. The result is something between coffee cake and quick bread — and honestly? That’s the sweet spot.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)

For the Cinnamon Swirl

⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp melted butter

Optional Cinnamon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined.
In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
Add remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter for a marbled effect.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional: Drizzle with glaze once completely cool.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Cake

• Don’t overmix — this keeps the loaf tender
• Use room-temperature ingredients
• Swirl gently to avoid muddy layers
• Tent with foil if top browns too fast

Variations You’ll Love

• Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf – Add ½ cup diced apples
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Loaf – Swap ½ cup milk for pumpkin purée
• Cream Cheese Swirl – Add a sweetened cream cheese layer
• Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts

Serving Suggestions

• Warm slice + butter
• With coffee or chai
• Toasted with honey
• Dessert with vanilla ice cream

Storage & Freezing

• Store airtight at room temp for 3 days
• Refrigerate up to 7 days
• Freeze slices up to 3 months

Fun Fact

Cinnamon was once more valuable than gold in ancient times — and now it’s the star of one of the coziest cakes you can bake at home.