ADVERTISEMENT
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour a standard **9×5-inch loaf pan** and set it aside.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, **cloves**, and **salt**. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the **butter** and **sugar** until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or stand mixer. The creaming process ensures a light, tender bread.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the **eggs**, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the **vanilla extract** and mix until smooth.
5. **Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Alternating between the **sour cream (or yogurt)** and the **milk**, slowly add them to the butter mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, then a third of the sour cream (or yogurt), and repeat until everything is mixed in. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined.
6. **Fold in Nuts**: If you’re adding **chopped walnuts or pecans**, fold them into the batter gently. These nuts add a wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the warm spices perfectly.
7. **Bake**: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. If you’d like a sweet, crunchy topping, sprinkle a tablespoon of **coarse sugar** over the top of the batter for a little extra sweetness and texture.
Bake for about **55-60 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top and slightly spring back when touched.
8. **Cool and Serve**: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s tempting to dive in right away, this bread is best when cooled—this ensures that it slices beautifully and holds its shape.
### Why This Bread Is My Husband’s Favorite
There’s no mystery as to why this cinnamon-spiced bread has earned the title of “the only bread my hubby will eat this time of year.” Here are a few reasons why it’s become a family favorite:
– **The Aroma**: The moment this bread starts baking, the whole house is filled with the mouthwatering smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. It’s like a warm hug for the senses.
– **Perfect Texture**: My hubby loves a loaf that’s soft and moist but not too dense. This bread has that ideal balance, making it easy to slice and enjoy with any topping you choose.
– **Versatile Enjoyment**: Whether he’s having it for breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert, this bread is perfect for any occasion. Toasted with a pat of butter in the morning or served with tea in the evening, it’s always the right choice.
– **Seasonal Flavor**: The combination of warm spices makes this bread perfect for fall and winter. It has all the flavors we associate with the holiday season but without being overly sweet.
### Variations to Try
While this recipe is already perfect in its own right, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences:
– **Add-ins**: Swap the nuts for dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples for a different texture and flavor.
– **Glaze**: Drizzle a simple **cinnamon glaze** over the bread once it’s cooled for an extra layer of sweetness.
– **Pumpkin Spice**: For an even more seasonal twist, replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with **pumpkin pie spice** for a more distinct fall flavor.
### Conclusion
If you’re looking for a bread that will win over your family and become a yearly tradition, this **Cinnamon Spice Bread** is a sure thing. With its perfect blend of warming spices, tender texture, and easy-to-follow recipe, it’s no wonder it’s the **only bread my hubby will eat** this time of year.
Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because it’s that time of year again, this bread will always be a favorite in our household. So, grab your ingredients and start baking—this delicious bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen as well!
ADVERTISEMENT
