Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The moist bread combines tender apples with a warm cinnamon swirl, creating a comforting and flavorful bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to prepare it for baking.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
5. Step 5: Fold the peeled and chopped apples gently into the batter, distributing them evenly.
6. Step 6: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface.
7. Step 7: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter to create the cinnamon swirl effect.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet cinnamon swirl.
• For extra texture, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Swap the white sugar for coconut sugar to add a subtle caramel flavor.
• If you prefer, substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches can be good substitutes, but keep in mind that moisture content may vary, so adjust baking time as needed.

How can I make this bread dairy-free?

Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 126 reviews

This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread that combines the warm spices of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of fresh apples. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread features a sweet cinnamon swirl that adds a delightful twist to a classic apple bread recipe.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Bread Batter

• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure easy release of the bread after baking.
2. Make Cinnamon Swirl Mixture. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for creating the swirl later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup softened butter and 2/3 cup white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help create a tender texture in the bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla. Beat in the 2 eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent.
6. Alternate Adding Milk and Flour. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture alternately with the 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
7. Fold in Apples. Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the bread.
8. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Swirl. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
9. Bake the Bread. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
10. Cool and Serve. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and to prevent the bread from becoming too mushy.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and milk with almond or oat milk.
• Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This bread also freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread, apple bread, quick bread, cinnamon bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread