Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 large apple (peeled, cored, finely chopped – about 1 cup)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Topping:
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
- Combine batter: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix gently until smooth. Fold in chopped apples.
- Make cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Assemble loaf: Pour half of the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to swirl gently.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & slice: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
✨ Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee on a crisp fall afternoon!
Would you like me to also give you a cream cheese glaze drizzle option to make it more indulgent?