Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Introduction

Experience the warm, comforting flavors of homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf. This moist, tender bread is filled with fresh apples and a luscious cinnamon swirl, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

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 the cinnamon swirl)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the cinnamon swirl)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for the cinnamon swirl)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (optional, for the glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for the glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for the 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, cream 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 to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Fold the diced apples carefully into the batter, distributing them evenly without overworking the mixture.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon swirl paste.
8. Step 8: Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and swirl it gently with a knife.
9. Step 9: Add the remaining apple batter on top and repeat with the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture, swirling again for a marbled effect.
10. Step 10: Bake for 55-65 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent 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): For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and firmer texture.
• To enhance the apple flavor, lightly toss the diced apples in a teaspoon of lemon juice before folding them into the batter.
• Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
• Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free milk option for the glaze.

Storage

Store the cooled 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 one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples with the skin on?

Yes, you can leave the peel on if desired, but peeling the apples results in a smoother texture and avoids any bitterness from the skin.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist, tender, and flavorful quick bread featuring sweet and tart diced apples swirled with a cinnamon brown sugar mixture for a beautiful marbled effect. Finished optionally with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect cozy treat for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• 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 thoroughly and set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 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 to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until 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 end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to keep the loaf tender.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a smooth paste.
8. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it through. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon swirl for a marbled effect.
9. Bake the Loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
10. Cool the Loaf: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and lump-free.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Slice cooled loaf and drizzle with glaze if desired. Enjoy this cozy apple cinnamon treat!

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart Honeycrisp for best flavor balance.
• Be careful not to overmix batter to keep the bread tender.
• If the loaf browns too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning.
• The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet finish.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• For an extra touch, serve slices garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and fresh apple slices.

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