Imagine the aroma of warm cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen as you bake this delightful Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this loaf is bursting with tender apples, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a moist, buttery crumb. It’s easy to make and brings a comforting touch of fall to any day of the year.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
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 ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaf
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
- Spoon the remaining batter on top and gently spread it out. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Notes
- Apple Choice: Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture. These apples hold up well during baking without becoming mushy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and even mixing.
- Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
Variations
Apple Pecan Swirl Loaf
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful crunch with every bite.
Glazed Apple Cinnamon Loaf
- Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle it with a simple glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
Healthier Version
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use unsweetened applesauce in place of half of the butter for a lighter version of this loaf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears or even peaches. Just make sure the fruit is firm and diced into small pieces to prevent excess moisture.
Can I Freeze This Loaf?
Absolutely. Once the loaf has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this loaf gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I Add a Streusel Topping?
Definitely! Mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons cold butter until crumbly, then sprinkle it on top before baking for a crunchy streusel finish.
This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a comforting and delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. The tender crumb, warm cinnamon spice, and sweet bites of apple create a flavor combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as a cozy afternoon snack, this loaf will surely bring warmth and joy to your table.
Feel free to share this recipe with your loved ones or make it for your next family gathering. Enjoy baking, and enjoy every bite of this delicious apple cinnamon goodness!
