Easy Loaf Cake for Guatemala Coffee

There are days when baking needs to be simple, comforting, and reliable. This cinnamon walnut loaf cake is exactly that kind of recipe. It comes together quickly, fills your kitchen with warm spice, and delivers a soft, moist crumb every time.

As a classic quick bread, this loaf cake skips yeast and long prep. No rising, no stress. Just easy baking with pantry staples and a result that works just as well for breakfast as it does for an afternoon coffee break.

And speaking of coffee, this loaf cake was created with one pairing in mind: medium roast Guatemala coffee.

Why This Cinnamon Walnut Loaf Cake Works as a Quick Bread

A good loaf cake should feel effortless, and quick breads are built for that. Instead of yeast, this recipe uses baking powder, which means the batter goes straight into the oven.

That’s what makes this cinnamon loaf:

• Faster to prepare

• Easier for beginner bakers

• Consistently soft and tender

The cinnamon adds warmth, the walnuts bring texture, and the structure stays light without being dry. This balance makes it a dependable easy baking recipe you can return to all year, not just in winter.

The Best Coffee to Pair With a Cinnamon Walnut Loaf Cake

Loaf cake and coffee belong together, but not every coffee roast works the same way. This recipe pairs best with medium roast coffee, especially Guatemala coffee.

Guatemala coffee is typically made from arabica coffee beans, known for their smooth body and gentle acidity. When brewed as a medium roast, the coffee keeps enough brightness to cut through butter and sugar while still supporting warm spices.

Why the pairing works

• Cinnamon echoes the subtle spice notes in the coffee

• Walnuts highlight the coffee’s nutty undertones

• Medium roast coffee cleans the palate between bites

This is the kind of coffee pairing that feels intentional, not accidental.

Ingredients for an Easy Cinnamon Walnut Loaf Cake

Before you start baking, gather everything first. This quick bread relies on simple ingredients, and you likely have most of them already.

For the loaf cake batter

• Butter: ½ cup, unsalted and softened

• Sugar: 1 cup white granulated sugar

• Eggs: 2 large, room temperature

• Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons

• All-purpose flour: 1½ cups

• Baking powder: 1½ teaspoons

• Milk: ½ cup

• Salt: a pinch

For the cinnamon walnut swirl

• Walnuts: ½ cup, finely chopped

• Brown sugar: ⅓ cup, packed

• Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons

How to Bake a Moist Cinnamon Walnut Loaf Cake

This is a straightforward how to bake method. Follow the steps carefully, and avoid overmixing.

1. Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan well and set it aside.

2. Make the cinnamon walnut mixture

In a small bowl, combine walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix and set aside.

3. Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla.

4. Combine the batter

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Pour in the milk, then add the remaining flour.

Important: Mix only until combined. Overmixing will make the loaf cake dense.

5. Layer and swirl

Pour half the batter into the pan.
Sprinkle about ¾ of the cinnamon walnut mixture on top.
Add the remaining batter, then finish with the rest of the walnut mixture.

Use a butter knife to gently swirl once or twice.

6. Bake and cool

Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

While the loaf cake cools, this is the perfect moment to brew a fresh cup of coffee. A smooth medium roast coffee brings out the cinnamon and walnut flavors without overpowering them.

Loaf Cake and Coffee Pairing: Why Guatemala Coffee Shines

Once the loaf cake has cooled, this is where everything comes together. Brew a fresh cup of medium roast Guatemala coffee while slicing the cake.

Guatemala coffee often comes from high-altitude farms, where beans develop complex flavors slowly. VIA Guatemala Coffee are ethically sourced and carefully roasted to preserve balance. That balance is exactly why this coffee works so well with a cinnamon walnut loaf cake.

This loaf cake was designed to match the balance of medium roast Guatemala coffee, especially blends that highlight warm spice notes. If you’re curious to taste the pairing as intended, explore our Mayan Cardamom Medium Roast made with carefully selected Guatemala coffee beans.

The result is simple but refined. Sweet, warm, nutty, and smooth.

A Simple Baking Ritual Worth Repeating

This cinnamon walnut loaf cake is a reliable quick bread that fits naturally into a coffee-focused kitchen.

If you enjoy baking with intention and want to understand how flavors work together, this recipe is a great place to start. 

Baking this cinnamon walnut loaf cake is simple. Pairing it with the right coffee is what makes it memorable.

Explore our Guatemala coffee collection and find the medium roast that turns an everyday loaf cake into a complete coffee-and-baking ritual.

FAQ: Cinnamon Walnut Loaf Cake and Coffee Pairing

1. Is a loaf cake the same as a quick bread?

A loaf cake and a quick bread are closely related. Most loaf cakes are considered quick breads because they use baking powder instead of yeast. This cinnamon walnut loaf cake falls into that category, making it faster and easier to bake at home.

2. What coffee roast pairs best with cinnamon loaf cake?

A medium roast coffee pairs best with cinnamon loaf cake. Medium roasts balance acidity and body, which helps highlight warm spices like cinnamon without overpowering the sweetness of the cake.

3. Why does Guatemala coffee work well with baked goods?

Guatemala coffee is often made from high-quality arabica coffee beans grown at high altitudes. This results in a smooth, balanced flavor that complements nuts, butter, and spices commonly used in baking.

4. Can I pair this loaf cake with dark roast coffee?

You can pair this loaf cake with dark roast coffee, but the flavor will be bolder and more intense. Dark roasts tend to dominate subtle spice notes, so the cinnamon may feel less pronounced compared to pairing with medium roast coffee.

5. How do I keep a loaf cake moist?

To keep a loaf cake moist, avoid overmixing the batter and remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Proper cooling also helps lock in moisture, especially for quick breads.

6. Is this cinnamon walnut loaf cake good for beginners?

Yes. This recipe is ideal for beginners because it follows a simple how to bake method, uses common pantry ingredients, and doesn’t require special equipment or advanced baking techniques.