Cinnamon Walnut Loaf

It's really amazing how much time flys - Kyle is already over a month old! He is preparing for a life of international intrigue so to get him ready we've spent the morning at the US embassy getting his birth reported and his passport application submitted. While the jury is still out on whether he will be a painter, pianist, poet, or pastry chef he is already helping me bake and this is what we came up with last week...

Because this loaf cake is not cloyingly sweet like many other baked breakfast treats it's perfect for morning coffees on the beach during the warm summer months. Bake this the night before or the morning of if you are an early riser. Because of the cinnamon swirl its best to let the loaf cool before slicing and enjoying.  

CINNAMON WALNUT LOAF

• 7 oz unsalted butter, room temp
• 5 oz sugar
• 3 eggs, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 Tbs sour cream
• 7 1/2 oz all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 oz brown sugar
• 2 oz walnuts

METHOD

Preheat oven to 325ºF /165ºC.

Cream together butter and sugar for 1 minute. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla extract. Add sour cream. Make sure everything is well combined. Add flour, baking powder, and salt - mixing till just combined. Set aside.

In a separate bowl mix together cinnamon and brown sugar. Take about 1/3 of the vanilla batter and add to the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture till completely mixed in. Add walnuts to the remaining vanilla batter.

Fill loaf pan with the vanilla batter. Dollop the cinnamon batter and swirl through with a knife.

I divided the batter between two small loaf pans (6.5 x 3.5 in) and the bake time was 35 min. For a larger loaf pan increase baking time to 40-45min. Check loaf with cake tester to make sure it is done. 

 

ps Getting a four-week old to look directly into the camera, with his eyes open, for his passport picture is significantly harder than baking this loaf cake =).  

Comments

[OysterCulture]

Wow, as first creations go this one is a winner. I always thought it was hilarious to have a baby photo on a passport they can keep for 3 years (I think I have that number right) They change so fast. I bet you're already seeing changes with him.

How wonderful that you are able to spend this time together. Hope all goes well.

[gastroanthropologist]

OysterCulture - They do change so fast...thought it was funny that I had to enter his height on the paperwork too...

[My Little Expat Kitchen]

Great loaf! I love the flavors, especially the cinnamon.
I'm sure Kyle's help was what made the difference ;)
Magda

[Nina]

Gorgeous loaf! love that it is not too sweet...looks like an easy keeper! will definitely be making this one, thanks!!

[Kristin]

Only one month old and already down to the embassy to get his passport, I'm impressed! I, er, wasn't quite as organized as you in that department - my kids were four and one before I finally dragged us all down to the embassy in Dublin to sort it out and I got a bit of a talking-to about it from the people there. :)

[5 Star Foodie]

Wow, already one month old! The cinnamon loaf looks super delicious, would sure love a slice!

[mycookinghut]

Wow, your baby is already one month old!
This loaf is a winner!!

[mangocheeks]

Your little one is already a month old - wow.

The cinnamon loaf if lovely, I like the sound of it, esp. as its not too sweet.

[Alethea Bergman]

First of all, Kyle is the cutest baby of all time! And I wish I could reach into the computer and grab a slice of this walnut loaf.

[Neil Butterfield]

Sounds delicious and congrats on your new born.

[Jane]

Lovely recipe that includes some of my favourite ingredients - cinnamon and walnuts. The slices look soft and yummy. Thanks for sharing.

[Lori]

That loaf is beautiful! You are going to have a traveler and baker on your hands. I have to admit the idea of a photo for a passport at that age is funny. Give him, what, 4 weeks and he'll hardly look like the photo. :)

[Valentina]

I love the idea of this loaf. Not too sweet. The nuts and cinnamon make me think of coffee. will definitely try it. Time flies - he's 4 weeks already! You seem well, adapting fine to a routine with a baby. : o )

[Richard]

I'm suprised you have the time to bake with a 4 week old! I love cinnamon so will definitely try out this recipe.

[Patricia Scarpin]

Looks delicious! I'm a sucker for all things cinnamon. I love the marbled look, it's beautiful!

[The Duo Dishes]

How sweet. A little loaf growing older, and a little loaf for breakfast or a snack. It must be an exciting time for you!

[Tangled Noodle]

Time does fly when you're having so much fun, like watching Kyle charm all those Embassy folks as I'm sure he did. You two make a great team in the kitchen - keep these fabulous baked goods coming! 8-)

[Lauren]

Yummy, wish I had this treat for breakfast this morning. Congrats on Kyle, I'm sure he'll enjoy all of the international intrigue!

[Nicole]

Just discovered your blog. I can't believe you're doing all this baking with a one month old. My boy was born in Rome and I didn't get back into the kitchen so fast.
Getting his passport photo done was funny. The photographer helped me prop him up by hiding my hand under his sweatshirt. Crazy he'll have that same photo for 5 years.

[anh@anhsfoodblog]

this loaf looks absolutely beautiful!

Just discovered your blog today. :)

[Clare]

Yup I like the idea of this, it's going on the to do list with clients. Giving credit where due of course ;-)

[grow lights]

I like this Cinnamon Walnut Loaf.Looks very yummy and your description about is is very nice that take it with the coffee on a beach.Great Recipe it is.

[Jamie]

Sweetheart it has been so long since I have visited you! Wow Kyle must be over 3 months by now!! When is his first trip to France? Love the loaf! Have done a couple of marble loaf cakes recently and each time I do i realize how much people love them.

I would so love to see you this year! xox

[Andie]

I just love your recipes. I tried this last weekend and my whole family loved it.