Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a cozy and flavorful treat, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Featuring tender, spiced apple batter with a beautiful cinnamon swirl, it’s both delicious and inviting. An optional glaze adds a sweet finishing touch that makes each slice irresistible.

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
• 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. 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 release.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl 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. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Fold the diced apples gently into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth to create 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 over it and gently swirl using a knife. Repeat the layering and swirling with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
9. Step 9: Bake the loaf 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 it loosely with foil.
10. Step 10: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Step 11: To make the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and flavor.
• For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• If buttermilk is unavailable, use regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added, let sit for 5 minutes.
• Serve slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra diced apples for a beautiful presentation.

Storage

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh apples to avoid excess moisture that can make the loaf soggy. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking to the bottom?

Make sure the swirl mixture is thick and use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter rather than stirring vigorously. Also, pour the batter and swirl mixture in layers to create an even distribution.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist, tender quick bread bursting with fresh diced apples and warm cinnamon flavor. Layers of a sweet cinnamon swirl folded right into the batter create a beautiful marbled effect that enhances every bite. Finished with an optional vanilla glaze, this loaf makes the perfect cozy breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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. Use a whisk to blend them thoroughly, then set the bowl 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 until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully 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 finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to ensure a tender loaf.
6. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout without overworking the mixture.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the packed 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, spreading it evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter. Pour the remaining apple batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture, swirling again for a beautiful marbled effect.
9. Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
10. Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): If using, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the loaf and drizzle with the glaze, if desired. Enjoy a delightful piece of apple cinnamon goodness!

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the loaf tender and moist.
• If the top browns too fast during baking, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning.
• Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• For a dairy-free variation, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk and vinegar mixture.
• The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet finish and visual appeal.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: apple cinnamon loaf, cinnamon swirl bread, quick bread, autumn baking, apple bread, cinnamon bread, breakfast loaf, easy loaf recipe