Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread is a moist, tender loaf bursting with warm cinnamon spice and juicy apple bits. A sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl runs through the middle, adding extra flavor and a beautiful marbled effect. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this homemade apple bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
-
Make the Cinnamon Swirl & Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup sugar and 1 ½ tsp cinnamon for the swirl.
- In another bowl, mix 2 tbsp sugar and ½ tsp cinnamon for the topping.
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in buttermilk, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
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Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over the batter.
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Bake:
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Slice & Enjoy!
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy plain or with a spread of butter!
Notes
- For extra apple flavor, use ½ tsp apple pie spice in the batter.
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American