Description

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist, flavorful bread combining sweet diced apples and warm cinnamon in a delightful swirl pattern. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, it features a tender crumb enriched with butter, eggs, and sour cream for extra moisture and richness. The cinnamon sugar swirl adds an irresistible sweet spice that perfectly highlights the apples’ natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

Fruit

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them, and stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to ensure a tender loaf.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the peeled, cored, and diced apples to evenly distribute the fruit without overmixing the batter.
Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then sprinkle half of this mixture evenly over the batter.
Add Remaining Batter and Top with Cinnamon Sugar: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top for the swirl effect.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the loaf is fully cooked but still moist.
Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the loaf light and tender.
If desired, you can sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch.
Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
This loaf also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Baking, Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon swirl loaf, apple cinnamon bread, moist loaf cake, breakfast bread, autumn baking