Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting Loaf Cake

This Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting Loaf Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon, apples, and a sweet brown sugar swirl. Perfect for fall or any time of year, this cake is gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The homemade vanilla frosting adds a rich, creamy touch to every slice, while the apple-cinnamon flavor makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free loaf cake recipe or a decadent treat to share at a gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons apple pie seasoning
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 ½ tablespoons Nutiva liquid coconut oil
• 2 Gala apples, cored
• 1-2 tablespoons water
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 stick butter (or dairy-free butter), softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons Singing Dog Vanilla alcohol-free vanilla extract

For the Brown Sugar Swirl:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Frosting:

• 1 bag vanilla frosting mix
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick butter (or dairy-free butter), softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease four mini loaf pans and set them aside.
3. In a food processor, blend the cored apples and water until a smooth applesauce forms. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Pour ¼ cup of the applesauce into a small bowl.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, apple pie seasoning, and cinnamon. Whisk to combine and set aside.
6. In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 1 minute and 30 seconds, scraping down the sides halfway through.
7. Add the eggs, applesauce, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined.
8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix.
9. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
10. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pans, filling them about one-third of the way.
11. Sprinkle about 2-3 teaspoons of the brown sugar mixture over the batter in each pan.
12. Spoon the remaining batter on top, filling the pans about two-thirds full.
13. Bake for 23-27 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
14. Allow the loaves to cool on a baking rack for about 45 minutes before carefully removing them from the pans.

For the Frosting:

1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and almond milk, mixing on low until combined, then beat on high for 2 minutes until fluffy.
3. Once the loaves have cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top of each loaf.
4. This recipe makes enough frosting for 8 mini loaves, but for just 4 loaves, you can halve the frosting recipe.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting Loaf Cake is a perfect combination of warm, comforting spices and rich, creamy frosting. The gluten-free cake is moist, with a lovely apple-cinnamon flavor and a delightful brown sugar swirl. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. The homemade frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite even more indulgent!

Tips

• Grease your pans well to prevent the cake from sticking.
• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting.
• If you don’t have mini loaf pans, you can bake this in a regular loaf pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly (usually 40-45 minutes).
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour: If you don’t need the cake to be gluten-free, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives to make this cake fully dairy-free.
• Sugar: If you prefer a lower-sugar option, swap the sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia.
• Spices: If you don’t have apple pie seasoning, you can use a mix of ground nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon for a similar flavor.
• Fruit: Experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches in place of the apples.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in the same amount if gluten isn’t a concern.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be baked in advance and stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. Just frost it right before serving.

How can I make the frosting fluffier?
Make sure to beat the frosting on high for a full 2 minutes to achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted loaves for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Serving

This Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting Loaf Cake is perfect for any special occasion or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve it at family gatherings, holiday parties, or as a cozy dessert for a winter evening.

Suggestions

• Pair it with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee to complement the cinnamon and apple flavors.
• Add a few chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving for a little extra sparkle.