Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread
A soft, fragrant loaf layered with fresh apples and a cinnamon-sugar swirl, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting. Simple to prepare and baked in one pan, it combines comforting flavors with fiber-rich fruit for a deliciously satisfying treat.
Equipment
- 1 stand mixer or hand mixer
- 1 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
- 2 Mixing Bowls (medium and large)
- 1 Measuring Cup Set
- 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon set
- 1 spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large apple peeled and finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. Then lightly dust the pan with flour, tapping out the excess, to prevent sticking. Proper pan preparation ensures your bread releases easily after baking and maintains a perfect shape.
- Mix Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: In a medium bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until fully blended, creating a fragrant, even mixture. This will later form the delicious cinnamon swirl that melts into the bread and coats the apple layers, giving each bite a sweet and aromatic boost.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly pale in color. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, helping the bread rise evenly and achieve a tender texture.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Ensure the eggs are fully combined into the butter-sugar mixture, resulting in a silky, homogeneous batter that will support the flour and milk without curdling.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This evenly distributes the leavening agent, which will help your bread rise properly. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the bread dense.
- Add Milk for Moisture: Gradually pour in the milk, mixing until just combined. The milk softens the batter, making it smooth and pourable. Stop mixing as soon as the batter comes together to ensure a tender, light loaf.
- Layer Half the Batter: Pour half of the prepared batter into your greased and floured loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the surface lightly, creating a flat base for the apple and cinnamon layers that follow.
- Add Apple Layer: Evenly scatter half of the finely chopped apple over the batter. Gently press the apple pieces into the batter with the back of a spoon to help them adhere and integrate during baking. This ensures the fruit cooks evenly and infuses the bread with natural sweetness.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon-Sugar Layer: Take half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture prepared earlier and sprinkle it over the apple layer. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every bite gets a sweet, aromatic swirl of cinnamon. This forms the signature swirl that makes this bread visually appealing and flavorful.
- Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining batter over the apple and cinnamon layer, spreading gently to cover the fruit without disturbing it too much. This second layer provides a soft, fluffy top that encases the apple filling perfectly.
- Top with Remaining Apples and Cinnamon: Scatter the remaining apple pieces on top of the batter, followed by the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Press lightly so the topping sticks. This creates a beautiful, caramelized crust during baking and adds extra flavor and texture to the final loaf.
- Bake Until Golden and Set: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and fragrant, with the aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen.
- Cool and Release: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges and invert the loaf onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely to prevent sogginess and ensure clean slices.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the loaf into thick or thin slices as desired. Enjoy plain, spread with butter, or alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. The layers of apple, cinnamon, and tender bread make it an irresistible breakfast or snack treat.
Notes
- Use a firm, crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith to prevent the fruit from turning mushy while baking.
- Room temperature butter and eggs create a smoother batter and help the loaf rise evenly.
- Lightly flouring the loaf pan after greasing ensures the bread releases cleanly without sticking.
- For a deeper cinnamon flavor, toast the cinnamon lightly in a dry pan before mixing it with brown sugar.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once flour is added to maintain a tender, soft texture.
- Check the bread with a toothpick 5 minutes before the recommended baking time; ovens can vary.
