Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the perfect cozy treat that brings together tender apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze. This moist and fluffy loaf features a cinnamon sugar swirl layered through soft vanilla batter, finished with an old-fashioned powdered sugar glaze. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this easy loaf recipe is bursting with fall flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
-
1/3 cup light brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2/3 cup white sugar
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1/2 cup butter, softened
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2 eggs
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 cup milk
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2 apples, peeled and chopped (any variety)
For the Old-Fashioned Glaze:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a loaf pan.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for layering.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped apples, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 10: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
Variations
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Add nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
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Make it healthier: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
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Try different fruits: Replace apples with pears or peaches for a new twist.
Cooking Note(s)
Be sure to fully cool the loaf before adding the glaze. Otherwise, it will melt into the bread instead of staying on top.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm slices with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast.
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Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert.
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Enjoy toasted with a pat of butter for a cozy snack.
Tips
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Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
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Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the loaf light and tender.
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Swirling the cinnamon sugar with a knife ensures even marbling through the loaf.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
55 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Servings:
8–10
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~290
Protein: 3g
Sodium: ~130mg
FAQs
1. Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
You can substitute part of the chopped apples with unsweetened applesauce, but for the best texture and bite, it’s recommended to keep at least some chopped apple pieces.
2. What type of apples work best in this loaf?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work well. They hold their shape during baking and add the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
3. Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely. This loaf stores well at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
4. Can this loaf be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze it without the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving.
5. How do I know when the loaf is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is everything you love about fall baking wrapped into one easy recipe. The tender apple pieces, warm cinnamon spice, and sweet vanilla glaze come together to create a loaf that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a cozy coffee date, or just to make your kitchen smell amazing, this loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
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Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
-
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 (any variety)
For the Old-Fashioned Glaze:
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a loaf pan.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for layering.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped apples, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 10: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
Notes
Cooking Note(s)
Be sure to fully cool the loaf before adding the glaze. Otherwise, it will melt into the bread instead of staying on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~290
- Sodium: ~130mg
- Protein: 3g