1 (8 oz) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Bread Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt (the secret to incredible moisture)
For the Caramel Glaze:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
The Step-by-Step Method: Creating a Masterpiece
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 55-65 mins | Serves: 10
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 4: Create the Bread Batter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: The Marbling Magic
Pour about two-thirds of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Pour all of the cream cheese filling over the batter layer and spread it carefully into an even layer.
Dollop the remaining bread batter over the cream cheese layer. Don’t worry about covering it completely.
Use a knife or a thin spatula to swirl the layers together. Make a few figure-eight motions through the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect.
