🍎 Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

⭐ Description

This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a soft, moist quick bread studded with tender apple chunks and layered with a fragrant cinnamon-sugar swirl. It’s the perfect combination of sweet apples and warming spices—ideal for breakfast, snacks, or as a comforting treat alongside coffee or tea. No yeast needed, easy to make, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

🍞 Ingredients

For the Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 3/4 cup milk (any kind)

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala recommended)

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Optional Apple Topping

• 2–3 tbsp chopped apples

• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar

🥣 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Prepare cinnamon swirl by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.

3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

5. Combine batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).

6. Fold in apples until evenly distributed.

7. Create the swirl:

   • Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.

   • Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.

   • Add the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar.

   • Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers.

8. Add optional topping of apples and cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and texture.

9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

10. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

👩‍🍳 Notes

• Batter will be slightly thick—this keeps the loaf moist.

• Apples should be finely chopped for even baking.

• Swirl the cinnamon lightly; overmixing will blend it completely.

• Let the loaf cool fully before slicing for clean, neat pieces.

💡 Tips for Best Results

• Use sweeter apple varieties for natural sweetness and moisture.

• Do not overmix the batter or the loaf may become dense.

• Add a glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk for a simple icing.

• Make it healthier: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat or use coconut sugar.

• Storage:

  • Room temp: 2–3 days

  • Refrigerated: up to 1 week

  • Freezer: up to 3 months (wrap tightly)

🍽️ Servings

Makes: 10–12 slices
Serving size: 1 slice

📊 Estimated Nutritional Information (per slice)

(Values may vary based on ingredients used)

• Calories: ~235

• Carbohydrates: 34g

• Protein: 3.5g

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 1.5g

• Sugar: 20g

• Sodium: 180mg

🌟 Health Benefits

• Apples provide fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that support digestion and immunity.

• Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar.

• Compared to store-bought pastries, this loaf has fewer processed ingredients and no preservatives.

• Can be adapted for lower sugar or whole-grain diets.

❓ Q & A About the Recipe

Q1: Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

Yes, but it will change the texture. Replace half the chopped apples with applesauce to keep some chunks.

Q2: Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q3: What other fruits go well in this loaf?

Pears, peaches, or berries can be substituted or added.

Q4: How do I prevent the loaf from becoming soggy?

Make sure apples are well-drained and not overly wet; also bake until the center is fully set.

Q5: Can I add nuts?

Yes! Walnuts or pecans add great crunch. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts to the batter.

Q6: Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes—use plant milk and dairy-free butter.