Baking My Favorite Cinnamon Swirl Cake with Freshly Milled Emmer and Spelt Flour

A freshly made cinnamon swirl cake with a smooth white glaze, resting in a rectangular dish, ready to serve on a festive red-patterned tablecloth.

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen while baking. This cinnamon swirl cake isn't just any cake. It’s made with freshly milled emmer and spelt flour, giving it a rich flavor and unique texture that store-bought flours can't match. As a dedicated home baker, I thoroughly enjoy exploring different grains. This combination of emmer and spelt has quickly become a staple in my baking routine.

Using freshly milled flour brings a wealth of nutrients and flavor. Ancient grains like emmer and spelt are gaining traction not only for their delightful nutty taste but also for their impressive protein content. In fact, spelt flour contains about 15% more protein than conventional wheat flour. Join me on this baking adventure, and let’s recreate this delightful cinnamon swirl cake!

Why Use Freshly Milled Flour?

Baking with freshly milled flour is about more than just following a trend; it's a celebration of wholesome ingredients and time-honored methods. Milling my flour allows me to directly control the taste and nutrition of my baked goods.

Freshly milled flour retains the grain's natural oils, vitamins, and minerals. For example, emmer flour boasts higher levels of magnesium and iron than all-purpose flour. By milling my own flour, I can explore a variety of flavors and textures in my recipes.

And let’s not forget flavor. Fresh flour provides the freshest taste, which elevates every bite of your cake. Who wouldn’t want a slice of that?

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the baking, here's what you'll need for this scrumptious cinnamon swirl cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups freshly milled emmer flour

• 1 cup freshly milled spelt flour

• 1 cup organic sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

  
  

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

  
  

Optional Frosting:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  

Let’s Bake!

With your ingredients ready, we can start baking this delightful cinnamon swirl cake!

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step prevents the cake from sticking, ensuring a clean and easy release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the freshly milled emmer flour, spelt flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that the cake will rise evenly.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Eggs

In another bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour in the buttermilk next. Mix until all the ingredients are blended smoothly. This will add moisture to the cake.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s fine if the batter has a few lumps. They will even out during baking.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. This mixture will create a delightful swirl in your cake.

Step 7: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top it with the last of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a knife or skewer to create swirls throughout the batter, making sure not to mix it all in.

Step 8: Bake

Now it’s time for the magic to happen! Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the cake is ready. The delightful smell of baking will fill your kitchen!

Step 9: Cool and Frost (Optional)

Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like to add a little extra sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a simple frosting. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for that finishing touch.

Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and incorporation.

   
   

2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined for the lightest texture.

   
   

If you want to keep the cake for a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. To extend its freshness, consider refrigerating it.

Experiment:

Feel free to try variations by adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a flavorful twist.

Time to Enjoy!

Baking this cinnamon swirl cake with freshly milled emmer and spelt flour is not just an enjoyable activity; it results in a delicious treat that warms the heart. The warmth of the spices melds beautifully with the nutty flavor of the flour, resulting in a cake that shines at any gathering — whether it’s a family get-together or a cozy afternoon with friends.

So the next time you’re in the mood for a sweet indulgence, give this recipe a try. You’ll soon recognize the incredible difference that freshly milled flour brings to your baking. Happy baking!