With its tender crumb, golden crust, and irresistible ribbon of cinnamon sugar, Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the quintessential treat for cozy mornings or afternoon indulgence. Each bite brings together juicy apples and warm spices in a fluffy, bakery-style bread that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or toasting up a slice the next day, there’s nothing quite like the aroma and flavor of this comforting loaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple: every ingredient in this recipe brings its own special flair, working together to create a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and downright addictive. While the shopping list is refreshingly short, don’t underestimate the power of each component—these are the building blocks for your best Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf yet.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for the loaf without making it too dense.
- Baking powder: This helps the bread rise for that light-as-air texture.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out all the other flavors in a big way.
- Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and keeps the loaf soft.
- Light brown sugar (divided): Adds rich, caramel notes while helping create the beautiful cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—warm, fragrant, and totally soothing.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses the crumb with richness and guarantees moistness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the cozy flavors with just a splash.
- Whole milk: Keeps the loaf moist—swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples: Fresh apples give the loaf sweet, juicy bursts in every slice. Choose apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their flavor and texture.
How to Make Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so you’re ready the moment your batter is. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan—using a quick swipe of butter or nonstick spray ensures your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf slides out with ease after baking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step distributes the leavening and salt evenly, setting the stage for a perfectly risen loaf with balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, half of the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. You’ll want a well-blended, creamy mixture—that’s your secret to a loaf that bakes up rich and incredibly moist.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula just until combined; overmixing can make the finished loaf tough. If you see a couple of streaks of flour, that’s totally fine.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Add your peeled, chopped apples into the batter and fold gently. The smaller the apple pieces, the more evenly they’re distributed, meaning you get a bit of apple in every bite of Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf.
Step 6: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. This aromatic blend is what gives the loaf its signature swirl and caramelized top. It’s a quick step, but crucial for that wow factor.
Step 7: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle the last of the cinnamon-sugar on top, then use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter—a little swirling goes a long way!
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake in the center of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this makes slicing so much easier and prevents sogginess from trapped steam.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
Garnishes
Serve your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance, a drizzle of light glaze for sweetness, or even a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling decadent. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top give it that homemade just-for-you touch.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, creamy Greek yogurt, or a handful of toasted nuts for texture. For a cozy breakfast, enjoy it alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—the warm spices play beautifully off one another.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf into a showstopper by serving slices on a rustic wooden board with honey, spiced butter, or jam. For a brunch spread, cut the loaf into bite-sized cubes and serve as sweet finger food, or layer slices with yogurt and fruit for a gorgeous breakfast parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container; your loaf will stay moist and delicious for up to three days at room temperature. Refrigeration can dry it out faster, so only chill if your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces in parchment and plastic. Tuck them into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. The Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf can be frozen for up to two months—perfect for when you want a quick, homemade treat.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop slices into the toaster or a 300°F oven for a few minutes. If you love a moist crumb, wrap the slice in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds—you’ll swear it’s fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Snack
Absolutely! Try a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for layers of flavor. You can use any baking apple you enjoy—just make sure to adjust sweetness slightly if your apples are extra tart.
How do I keep my apple pieces from sinking to the bottom?
Toss your chopped apples with a spoonful of flour before folding into the batter. This helps suspend them so you get apples all throughout your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf, not just at the bottom.
Is there a way to make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with melted coconut oil or a dairy-free stick butter. Your loaf will still be wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can—just use two loaf pans and bake side by side. Baking time may need a couple of extra minutes, so check for doneness with a toothpick before pulling them out of the oven.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon-sugar?
After topping the batter with the cinnamon-sugar, gently drag a butter knife in an S-pattern through the loaf. Don’t overdo it—a light hand gives you gorgeous, distinct swirls without blending it all together.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf before, this is your sign to bake one soon. The irresistible aroma, the soft crumb, and those sweet cinnamon ribbons will have you reaching for slice after slice. Don’t forget to share—you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!
Print
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 to 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The moist and flavorful loaf is filled with chunks of fresh apples and a sweet cinnamon swirl, making it a favorite during the fall season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, half the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; do not overmix. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Create Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the remaining brown sugar with the cinnamon. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar over the top and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Try using a mix of apple varieties for more flavor depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
