Description

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with tender diced apples and warm cinnamon spice. A swirl of cinnamon sugar adds a beautiful marbled effect and extra sweetness, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Optionally topped with a simple vanilla glaze, this loaf is easy to prepare and sure to delight apple lovers.

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

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.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to blend them thoroughly, then set the bowl aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender loaf.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter so they are evenly distributed without overworking the mixture.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth.
Layer the Batter: Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top and use a knife to swirl it through the batter. Pour the remaining batter over this, then add the remaining cinnamon mixture and swirl again to create a marbled effect.
Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top browns too fast, tent with aluminum foil loosely.
Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the loaf is cool, slice it and drizzle with the optional glaze. Serve and enjoy the delicious apple cinnamon flavor!

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
To avoid a dense loaf, do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients.
The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet finish; you can adjust the milk to get your preferred consistency.
If the loaf top browns too quickly during baking, covering loosely with foil will prevent burning.
Store leftover loaf wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This loaf also freezes well; wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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