Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Introduction

Warm, spiced, and packed with tender apple pieces, this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a cozy treat perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or dessert. The cinnamon swirl adds a delightful marbled sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the soft, moist crumb of the loaf.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to keep the loaf tender.
6. Step 6: Fold the diced apples carefully into the batter to distribute them evenly.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to form the cinnamon swirl mixture.
8. Step 8: Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top and use a knife to create gentle swirls through the batter.
9. Step 9: Pour the remaining batter over the swirl layer, then add the remaining cinnamon mixture and swirl again for a marbled effect.
10. Step 10: Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
11. Step 11: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Step 12 (Optional): For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
• For a nutty crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor.
• To keep apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before folding into the batter.
• Make mini loaves in muffin tins for convenient single servings and shorter baking time (about 20-25 minutes).

Storage

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap well and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore warmth and softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk provides acidity that reacts with baking soda for proper rise and texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes to create a similar effect.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?

Coating the diced apples lightly with a little flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the loaf.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist, flavorful quick bread featuring tender chunks of diced apples and a rich cinnamon swirl throughout. The loaf is lightly spiced with cinnamon and enhanced with a buttery cinnamon sugar swirl that creates a beautiful marbled effect. Optionally topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this comforting bread is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 them thoroughly to blend evenly, then set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender loaf.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without overworking the mix.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until a smooth paste forms.
8. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it through. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture, swirling again to create a marbled effect.
9. Bake the Loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
10. Cool the Loaf: Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cooled loaf and drizzle with the prepared glaze if desired. Enjoy this warm, flavorful apple cinnamon treat!

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the loaf tender.
• If the top of the loaf browns too quickly while baking, tent it gently with foil to prevent burning.
• The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and enhances presentation.
• For a decorative touch, serve slices with a light dusting of ground cinnamon and extra apple slices on the side.

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