Description
This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert. It features tender chopped apples and a cinnamon-sugar swirl baked into a soft, buttery loaf with a hint of vanilla and yogurt for extra moisture. Easy to prepare and ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack, this classic American treat combines familiar spices and fresh fruit in a delightful swirl pattern.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
Fruit and Flavorings
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, using a mixer or by hand, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then add vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate wet dairy: Mix in the plain Greek yogurt or sour cream along with the milk until the batter is smooth and combined, adding moisture and richness.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter and developing gluten.
- Fold in apples: Gently fold in the peeled and finely chopped apples, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the swirl mixture.
- Layer batter and cinnamon sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Create swirl effect: Use a knife to gently swirl the batter and cinnamon sugar layers together, creating a beautiful marbled pattern inside the loaf.
- Bake the loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully cooked.
- Cool loaf: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
Notes
- For extra moisture and texture, use a combination of apple varieties such as Granny Smith and Fuji.
- This loaf freezes well—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt with sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor and similar moisture content.
