This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful combination of tender, moist bread and a sweet cinnamon-apple filling. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this loaf is sure to warm your kitchen with its inviting aroma. The swirls of cinnamon and apple add a unique twist, making every slice a delicious treat!
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping (optional):
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a bowl, mix the diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Make the Bread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Layer the Batter and Filling: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the apple filling over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining apple filling. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together.
- Add the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix coarse sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle over the top of the loaf for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake the Loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf!
This scrumptious loaf is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and it keeps well for several days—if it lasts that long!