Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With tender apples and a fragrant cinnamon sugar swirl, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar mixture)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar mixture)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, then gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
7. Step 7: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a sharper flavor or sweeter varieties like Fuji for milder sweetness.
• Serve warm with a smear of butter or cream cheese for a delicious finishing touch.

Storage

Store the apple cinnamon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the frozen apples well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the loaf’s texture.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep an eye on the batter’s consistency, as it may require slight adjustments in liquid.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist, flavorful quick bread that perfectly combines warm cinnamon spice with fresh apples. The tender crumb and cinnamon sugar swirl make it a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 servings) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Other

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar swirl)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar swirl)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly blended.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar alternating with sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled, cored, and diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing.
7. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar over the batter layer in the pan.
8. Add Remaining Batter and Sugar: Pour the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer, spreading it evenly. Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter to create a swirl effect.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully cooked.
10. Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the loaf from breaking apart when removed too soon.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly peeled and diced apples to retain texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the swirl mixture slightly.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and a similar texture.
• Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This loaf freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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