Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

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🍏 Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Description

This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is moist, tender, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor and juicy apple bits. The luscious swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon running through the soft crumb makes every bite pure comfort. It’s a bakery-worthy loaf that fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma — ideal for cozy mornings, holidays, or gifting!

🧁 Ingredients

For the Batter:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk or milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar

  • 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar, packed

  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Topping:

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp rolled oats or chopped nuts

🍽️ Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
    In another large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

  4. Add Wet & Dry:
    Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

  5. Fold in Apples:
    Gently stir in the diced apples.

  6. Create Cinnamon Swirl:
    In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the swirl mix, then top with remaining batter and swirl gently with a knife. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.

  7. Bake:
    Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  8. Cool:
    Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

📝 Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness.

  • Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.

  • You can replace buttermilk with yogurt for extra moistness.

  • Freezes beautifully — wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months.

💡 Tips

  • Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

  • Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk) on top for a bakery finish.

  • If your swirl sinks, try layering less batter before adding the cinnamon mix.

  • Make mini loaves or muffins for gifts or portion control!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings

Makes 1 loaf (8–10 slices).

⚖️ Nutritional Info (per slice)

  • Calories: ~220

  • Fat: 9g

  • Carbohydrates: 31g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Sugar: 18g

  • Fiber: 1g

(Values vary slightly depending on ingredients.)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • Apples provide antioxidants, fiber, and natural sweetness.

  • Cinnamon supports blood sugar regulation and adds anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Homemade loaf means fewer preservatives and full control of sugar content.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier loaf.

Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: Yes, substitute ½ cup neutral oil (like canola) for a slightly moister texture.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use almond milk with 1 tsp vinegar and dairy-free butter.

Q: How should I store it?
A: Store at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat slices lightly before serving.

Q: Can I add other fruits?
A: Absolutely! Try pears, blueberries, or raisins for variety.

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