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Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

3.8 from 45 reviews

This homemade apple bread is a warm, cozy treat perfect for fall, featuring a delicious cinnamon swirl and juicy apples in every bite. Moist and flavorful, it’s an ideal dessert or snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit

  • 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan, or alternatively, line it with parchment paper. Set aside this prepared pan to use later.
  2. Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together and set aside for the cinnamon swirl layers.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout.
  6. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon to create the cinnamon swirl effect.
  7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. To prevent over-browning, tent the bread with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes if necessary.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
  • For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or lightly toast for a warm, delicious treat.
  • To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.
  • You can substitute the apples with fruit such as pears or blueberries for variety.

Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon swirl bread, fall dessert, homemade bread, apple dessert, easy baking recipe, American dessert, cozy treat