Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf – A Cozy and Delicious Fall Treat
This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the perfect warm and spiced treat to enjoy on cozy mornings. With tender chunks of apple swirled throughout the soft, cinnamon-scented bread, this loaf is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The sweet glaze drizzled over the top adds the perfect finishing touch for an extra burst of flavor. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
5. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Swirl:
7. Layer the Batter and Apple Mixture:
8. Swirl the Batter:
9. Bake the Loaf:
10. Cool and Glaze:
Decoration Tips:
Notes:
Serving Suggestions:
Total Time:
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for that signature warm, spiced flavor)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (adds richness and moisture)
3/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
2 large eggs (for structure and moisture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a touch of flavor)
3/4 cup buttermilk (for a tender crumb and slight tang)
For the Cinnamon Apple Swirl:
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and sour)
1/3 cup brown sugar (adds deep, caramelized sweetness)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (to enhance the apple flavor)
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for a smooth, sweet finish)
1 tablespoon milk (to thin the glaze to the right consistency)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a gentle flavor boost)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan (8×4-inch or 9×5-inch) and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this bowl aside to keep the dry ingredients ready for the batter.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Swirl:
In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. This creates a sweet and spiced filling for your loaf.
7. Layer the Batter and Apple Mixture:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with half of the cinnamon apple mixture, then add the remaining batter on top. Finally, add the rest of the apple mixture.
8. Swirl the Batter:
Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the apples into the batter, creating a marbled effect. This ensures the cinnamon and apple flavors are distributed throughout the loaf.
9. Bake the Loaf:
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
10. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf in a zigzag pattern for a beautiful finish. For a more rustic touch, dust with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar.
Decoration Tips:
Elegant Presentation: Serve the loaf on a white or neutral-colored plate to highlight the rich colors of the apple filling.
Rustic Look: For a charming presentation, wrap the loaf in parchment paper and tie it with twine before serving. This works especially well as a gift!
Zigzag Glaze: Drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern for a decorative touch and extra sweetness.
Notes:
Storage: Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the loaf (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Apple Varieties: If you prefer a sweeter loaf, opt for a sweeter apple variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp. For a more tart contrast, Granny Smith apples work beautifully.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. It’s also a perfect treat for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or a cozy family dessert.
Total Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
Glaze Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf will warm your heart and home, bringing the comforting flavors of fall to your kitchen. Enjoy every sweet, spiced bite!