Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

There's something undeniably comforting about the warm, aromatic blend of apple and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. The Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful treat that embodies this heartwarming combination, making it a favorite for many home bakers. Whether enjoyed as a cozy breakfast, a delightful snack with afternoon tea, or an indulgent dessert, this loaf strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that invites you to savor the simple pleasures of life.

Indulge in the cozy flavors of homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf. This delightful recipe combines tender apples and warm cinnamon, resulting in a beautifully swirled bread that's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. With its inviting aroma and moist texture, this loaf is great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with loved ones. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use seasonal apples. Create sweet memories with every slice!

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Ingredients

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

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until it forms a paste.

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 and use a knife to gently swirl it in. Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture, swirling once more for a marbled effect.

Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Cool the Loaf: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the loaf and enjoy a delicious piece of apple cinnamon goodness!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 10 slices