Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread once it’s baked.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

• With the mixer on low, add the sour cream (or yogurt) and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and no flour streaks remain.

5. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

• In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to make the cinnamon-sugar swirl.

6. Assemble the Bread

• Pour about half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
• Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter on top and spread it evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the bread and use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the batter gently, creating a marbled effect.

7. Add the Walnuts

• Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top of the batter. This will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to every bite.

8. Bake the Bread

• Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
• If the bread starts to brown too much on top before it’s fully baked, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

9. Cool and Serve

• Allow the Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and serve! The bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey.

Tips for the Perfect Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing.
• Adjust the Cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add an extra teaspoon to the batter or sprinkle a little extra on top for added flavor.
• Add More Nuts: If you love walnuts, feel free to increase the amount of nuts in the batter and on top of the bread. You can also add other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different texture.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free butter substitute and the sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond-based yogurt) to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Serving Suggestions: This sweet bread is perfect with your morning coffee or tea. You can also serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Why This Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread is a Winner:

• Comforting Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and crunchy walnuts offers a comforting, warm flavor profile that feels like a hug in every bite.
• Perfect for Sharing: This bread is great for family gatherings, brunches, or as a gift to friends. Its delicious smell and appearance make it an impressive treat to share.
• Great for All Occasions: Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a birthday, or just a weekend treat, this Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread is a versatile and satisfying option.

Final Thoughts:

Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread is a delightful combination of tender, fluffy bread with swirls of cinnamon-sugar and a crunchy walnut topping. It’s a treat that’s sure to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and leave everyone coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, a snack, or a dessert, this sweet bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

With its easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the cozy, comforting flavors of walnut cinnamon sweet bread—your taste buds will thank you!