Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

There's something undeniably heartwarming about the scent of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. The comfort of homemade treats evokes memories of cozy afternoons and family gatherings, making the act of baking not just a culinary endeavor but a cherished ritual. Among the many delightful options to bake, few can rival the cozy appeal of an Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf. This delightful quick bread perfectly embodies the essence of autumn and the spirit of homemade goodness.

Experience the warmth of autumn with this cozy Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf recipe. Infused with sweet and tart apples and the comforting flavors of cinnamon, this delightful quick bread is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create the perfect loaf with step-by-step instructions, ingredient insights, and helpful tips for a fluffy texture. Enjoy it as a treat for family gatherings or a cozy evening at home with a cup of tea. Tips for your perfect bake are included!

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Ingredients

For the Loaf:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup milk

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Topping (optional):

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Loaf Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and milk. Mix until well incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the diced apples.

Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. In another small bowl, melt the butter for the swirl.

Layer the Batter: Pour half of the loaf batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the melted butter over the batter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over, followed by the rest of the melted butter and the cinnamon-sugar mix. Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect, but be careful not to over-mix.

Prepare Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix together chopped nuts, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the top of the batter.

Bake the Loaf: 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.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delightful Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr 10 min | 10 servings