Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

As the leaves turn golden and the air cools, there’s nothing more inviting than the warm aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your kitchen. Among the myriad of autumnal delights, the Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf stands out as a quintessential recipe that perfectly captures the essence of the season. This delightful loaf merges the sweet, tart notes of apples with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, creating a treat that is not just delicious but also deeply comforting.

Discover the comforting charm of Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf, the perfect treat for autumn! This delightful recipe combines sweet apples and warm cinnamon, creating a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen. With its soft texture and stunning swirl, it’s perfect for brunch or a relaxing afternoon snack. Learn about the key ingredients, tips for baking success, and ways to customize this loaf with optional nuts or glazes. Enjoy a slice of warmth and flavor this season!

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Ingredients

For the Loaf:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Glaze (optional):

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet Ingredients: On low speed, add the buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nuts (if using).

Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batter gently to create a marbled effect.

Bake the Loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Cool the Loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Slice and Serve: Once the glaze has set (if using), slice the loaf and serve. Enjoy your delicious Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr 15 mins | 8 servings