Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It combines tender chunks of fresh apples with a warm cinnamon swirl, creating a moist and flavorful bread. A light glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (optional glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
5. Step 5: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing for a tender loaf.
6. Step 6: Fold the diced apples into the batter carefully to distribute them evenly without overworking the batter.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to make the cinnamon swirl mixture.
8. Step 8: Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl over the batter and swirl gently with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl for a marbled effect.
9. Step 9: Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
10. Step 10: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Step 11: (Optional) Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
• For extra moisture, add 1/4 cup of plain yogurt in place of some buttermilk.
• Try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Swap the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar added to the milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?

Coat the diced apples lightly with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the loaf.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist, tender quick bread bursting with sweet and tart diced apples and a rich cinnamon swirl throughout. The loaf is topped with an optional vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Loaf:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to blend them thoroughly, then set the bowl aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to ensure a tender loaf.
6. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout without overworking the mixture.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until a smooth paste forms.
8. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter. Pour the remaining apple batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture, swirling again for a beautiful marbled effect.
9. Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
10. Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): If using, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the loaf and drizzle with the glaze, if desired. Enjoy a delightful piece of apple cinnamon goodness!

Notes

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in the loaf.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bread tender and moist.
• If the loaf browns too quickly in the oven, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while finishing baking.
• The glaze is optional but adds a delicious sweet vanilla finish to the loaf.
• For presentation, serve slices garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and fresh apple slices on the side.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cinnamon loaf, apple bread, cinnamon swirl bread, baked apple dessert, fall baking, breakfast loaf, quick bread recipe