9/13/2011

Easy Cinnamon Chip Loaf


Easing into Fall baking, I am starting with the soul-warming spice of cinnamon.  This tasty treat with the smell of far off burning oak leaves coming through the window on a cool breeze...yep, the change of seasons mounts a sensual assault. I am trying to think of the best way to describe this loaf.  It's a cross between a quick bread and a yeast bread with a nod to coffeecake.  Let's just say if coffeecake and cinnamon toast were to have a love child, this loaf would be the end result.


If you are apprehensive about baking with yeast, have no worries here.  With the addition of baking powder, this loaf rises beautifully without fail. The only trick is to make sure that the loaf is completely baked through.  Like a quick bread or cake, test the center with a toothpick. It should come out clean.  Also, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Doing so will leave you with a gummy loaf.  It is delicious served plain, but I highly suggest toasting a slice and giving it a good slathering of butter. Ooh, man that's good!  *Bonus Alert*--- It will make your house smell fantastic!


Printable Recipe


Cinnamon Chip Loaf
1 loaf, 16 slices

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup (2-ounces) unsalted butter, melted
1 extra large egg, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup cinnamon chips
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, butter, egg, and vanilla.  Combine the wet and dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.  (The dough will be thick, wet, and sticky).  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350ยบ F.  Remove the plastic wrap and stir in the baking powder and cinnamon chips. Spoon the batter into a greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan.  In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.  Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the batter.  Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Remove the loaf from the oven and let rest in the pan for 5 minutes.  Remove the loaf from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.  Do not slice the bread while it is hot, it will slice much better when it is completely cool.  Enjoy!

Source: Adapted from The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion

10 comments:

  1. What a beautiful loaf! I especially love that last picture with the little pockets, yum!

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  2. this looks so yummy! i love fall! and i love your blog :)

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  3. I have never heard of cinnamon chips! Yum! This bread will definitely be on our breakfast table. Thanks

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  4. I am so ready for fall recipes like this. I just discovered cinnamon chips last year, but haven't done much with them. This looks wonderful. It must smell amazing while it's baking.

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  5. Ok first I wanted to say that I LOVE your blog. Cooked a few of your recipes and they've quickly become some of our favs-esp that pork w/ blackberry sauce. LOOOOVE it!!

    Now I live in Spain. And we do not get cinnamon chips here. Nor can we even order them online...any idea of what I could replace cinnamon chips with? This bread looks amazing!!!

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  6. Melissa,
    Thank you! I am pleased you are enjoying the recipes. I enjoy sharing them:) As far as a substitution for the cinnamon chips, unfortunately, I cannot think of one. I have heard of people using butterscotch, but that is a whole other flavor and this is all about the cinnamon. I did a quick google search and found this site-- http://www.preparedpantry.com/cinnamon-chips.aspx
    They claim to ship internationally, but with a warm weather warning. I suppose that is why you are having difficulty with shipping because they would have to be "cool" shipped and that cost a pretty penny. I will keep thinking.

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  7. A love child of cinnamon bread and coffee cake? COUNT ME IN!! This looks wonderful. I can almost smell it!

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  8. Rivki-
    Wish you were here to have a slice (or two) :) Best!

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  9. There are few more comforting spices than cinnamon :) This is just a beautiful recipe Nicole, I would DEFINITELY love this toasted n buttered as you suggested, sounds delish!

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