Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. This moist and tender loaf features juicy apples and a delicious cinnamon swirl, creating a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.

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, for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for 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 release.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar 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, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Step 6: Fold in the diced apples evenly without overworking the batter.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth to make the cinnamon swirl mixture.
8. Step 8: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture over it, then use a knife to swirl it through the batter.
9. Step 9: Add the remaining batter on top and repeat with the rest of the cinnamon mixture, swirling again for a marbled effect.
10. Step 10: Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
11. Step 11: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Step 12: (Optional) Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and tang.
• Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon swirl for a spiced twist.

Storage

Store the loaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze sliced portions 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 fresh apple juice instead of buttermilk?

It’s best to use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute for moisture and tenderness. Using apple juice alone might change the texture and flavor, making it less tender.

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

Make sure to fold the apples gently into the batter and coat them lightly with flour before adding. This helps suspend the apple pieces evenly throughout the loaf.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 77 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist, tender quick bread bursting with fresh diced apples and a rich cinnamon swirl through the middle. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it combines warm spices with a sweet apple twist and an optional vanilla glaze to elevate every slice. Easy to prepare and baked in a loaf pan, it’s an inviting homemade treat with a beautiful marbled cinnamon swirl.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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. Whisk them thoroughly and set 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 until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to keep the loaf tender.
6. Fold in Apples: Fold the diced apples carefully into the batter to distribute evenly without overmixing.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth.
8. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it and use a knife to gently swirl through. Pour the remaining batter on top and repeat with the rest of the cinnamon swirl, swirling again to create a marbled effect.
9. Bake the Loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too fast.
10. Cool the Loaf: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and enjoy the warm, aromatic apple cinnamon loaf with or without glaze.

Notes

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the loaf tender and soft.
• If the loaf top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during baking.
• The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet finishing touch.
• For presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh apple slices.

Keywords: apple cinnamon loaf, cinnamon swirl bread, apple bread recipe, quick bread, breakfast loaf, homemade apple bread, cinnamon swirl loaf, easy loaf recipe