Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread is a moist and tender quick bread bursting with the flavors of sweet apples and a rich cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this loaf is easy to make and full of comforting flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm and Comforting: A perfect blend of cinnamon, apples, and a soft crumb.
- Quick and Easy: No yeast required—just mix, swirl, and bake.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe for baking with little helpers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Bread:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Directions
Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat ½ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ cup of milk.
- Combine:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of diced apples.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
- Layer and Swirl:
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter.
Bake and Cool:
- Bake:
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Apple Bread: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Glaze Option: Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for more warmth.
- Healthy Option: Use whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar for a lighter version.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, any baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji works well.
2. How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the bread heavy.
3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
4. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, use ½ cup of vegetable or coconut oil in place of the butter.
5. How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
6. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes, bake in a muffin tin at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
7. Can I add a streusel topping?
Absolutely! Mix ¼ cup flour, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a crumbly topping.
8. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce both the granulated and brown sugar slightly for a less sweet loaf.
9. What can I serve with this bread?
Serve with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
10. How do I reheat frozen slices?
Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread is a delicious, comforting treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its soft texture, sweet apples, and cinnamon swirl, this quick bread will become a favorite in your home. Bake a loaf today and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful apple bread features a sweet cinnamon swirl and chunks of fresh apples. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, it’s a delightful treat for fall or any time of the year.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 cup (120g) peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently.
4. Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve!
Notes
- For extra sweetness, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.