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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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