Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf 🍎🍂

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the essence of fall baked into a single, irresistible loaf. With a tender crumb, spiced cinnamon swirls, and sweet apple chunks, this treat is perfect for cozy autumn afternoons, holiday gatherings, or even as a breakfast indulgence. The aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen will have everyone rushing to the table for a slice!

Let’s dive into how to make this warm, comforting loaf step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Cozy Fall Flavors : The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and fresh apples screams autumn.
  2. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
  3. Perfect for Sharing : Great for gifting, potlucks, or enjoying with family and friends.
  4. Versatile : Serve it warm with butter, cream cheese, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
  5. Make-Ahead Friendly : Bake ahead and enjoy throughout the week—or freeze for later.

Ingredients

(Makes 1 loaf)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Loaf:

  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter , softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tsp vinegar, let sit 5 minutes )
  • 1 medium apple , peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 cup )

Optional Topping:

  • Powdered sugar glaze : Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
  2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs , one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract .

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , baking soda , and salt .

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk . Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  2. Gently fold in the diced apple pieces until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Assemble the Loaf

  1. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
  3. Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it gently to cover the cinnamon layer. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the layers slightly for a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay, but no wet batter).
    • Tip : If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

  1. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes , then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. If desired, drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Success

  1. Choose the Right Apple : Use a firm, sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
  2. Prevent Soggy Layers : Pat the diced apples dry with a paper towel before folding them into the batter to prevent excess moisture.
  3. Boost Flavor : Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for an extra layer of warmth.
  4. Storage : Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  5. Freeze for Later : Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf pairs beautifully with:

  • Coffee or Tea : A warm mug of coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider complements the flavors perfectly.
  • Ice Cream : Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
  • Cream Cheese Spread : Spread softened cream cheese on a slice for a rich, tangy twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)

(Based on 10 slices)

  • Calories : ~250 kcal
  • Protein : ~3g
  • Carbohydrates : ~38g
  • Fat : ~10g
  • Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the ultimate fall treat—warm, comforting, and packed with the flavors of the season. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a holiday dessert, or simply to enjoy the aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your home, this loaf is sure to become a favorite.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can adjust the sweetness, spices, or toppings to suit your taste. So grab your apples, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of autumnal bliss.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here