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Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/apple-cinnamon-swirl-loaf-recipe-2/