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Apple Cinnamon Loaf Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Loaf Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Loaf is a cozy, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack. Made with tart Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, it’s buttery, moist, and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust. Easy to make and adaptable with various add-ins, this loaf brings a touch of autumn to your kitchen any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Loaf

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or sour cream)
  • 2 medium apples (about 2 cups/250g), peeled, cored, and diced small

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and optionally line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Gather all your ingredients to stay organized.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl sides to combine thoroughly.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and toughening the loaf.
  5. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold in the diced apples using a spatula to evenly distribute them throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  6. Add Topping and Bake: Mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture; avoid soft varieties that get mushy.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and moist.
  • Allow the loaf to cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with sour cream or yogurt for moisture.
  • Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, refrigerate up to 7 days, or freeze slices for 2 months.
  • Variations include adding nuts, caramel drizzle, streusel topping, spices like cloves, raisins, maple glaze, or chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon loaf, apple bread, cinnamon bread, fall baking, cozy dessert, apple dessert, homemade loaf

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