Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

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Introduction

This apple cinnamon swirl loaf brings all the best flavors of fall into one cozy, fragrant bake. Tender apples folded into a soft, buttery batter, swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, make this loaf irresistibly moist and flavorful. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, it’s just the thing to fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of autumn. Whether you’re baking for guests or just for yourself, this loaf is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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🍏 Ingredients

For the Apple Mixture:

• 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced small – Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Loaf Batter:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)

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🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Mixture

1. In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.

Step 5: Assemble the Loaf

1. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
2. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
3. Scatter half of the apple mixture on top.
4. Repeat with the remaining batter, swirl mixture, and apples.
5. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together (just 2–3 figure-eight motions).

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil halfway through.

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy

1. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and serve warm, optionally with a pat of butter or a drizzle of glaze (see optional below!).

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🍁 Optional Vanilla Glaze (for extra indulgence)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together until smooth and drizzle over the cooled loaf.

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☕ Serving Ideas

• Toast slices lightly and spread with cream cheese or cinnamon butter.
• Serve warm with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Enjoy with a cup of spiced chai, coffee, or hot apple cider.

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