For many, cinnamon is inherently associated with Christmas time. This cinnamon swirl loaf cake not only boasts a warming cinnamon scent but tastes delicious too! Made with soft, homemade dough and a cinnamon sugar filling – this simple bake will go down a treat this December.

Ready in: 5 hours

Serves: 10

Ingredients

For the dough
450g strong white bread flour
10g dried yeast extract
50g caster sugar
90g unsalted butter
200ml full fat milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 medium egg

For the filling
25g unsalted butter
100g light brown soft sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the topping
150g icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp water

Method

1. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, add the caster sugar and yeast then mix together until combined. Cut the cold butter into cubes and rub into the dry mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Gently heat the milk until warm and add this to the mixing bowl, along with the vanilla and egg. Once added, knead the dough together for around 10 minutes. When you have finished kneading, the dough should be springy to touch and not sticky.

3. Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling film. Leave to rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. While the bread is proving, get ahead on the filling by mixing the sugar and cinnamon together.

5. Remove the dough from the bowl and roll out on a lightly floured work surface to form a large rectangle, it should be around 40x30cm.

6. Next, melt the butter that is set aside for the filling and brush over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mix.

7. Roll the dough from long side to long side then carefully cut down the centre. Twist the two halves together making a two strand plait.

8. Place the dough in a lightly buttered 900g loaf tin and cover with cling film, allowing it to rise for around 30 minutes. Whilst you’re waiting, preheat the oven to 180C.

9. Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin.

10. To make the icing, simply mix together the icing sugar, vanilla and water until a thick paste is formed. Drizzle over the cooled loaf, slice and enjoy.

Find more great recipe inspiration here.