Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl
This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl is a moist and fluffy quick bread bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh apples and a warm, aromatic cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients and offers a cozy, comforting flavor that brings autumn vibes to your kitchen all year round.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free if gluten-free flour is used
Fruits
- 2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (Granny Smith or Fuji recommended)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus 2 tablespoons for swirl)
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or substitute with oil or applesauce for healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice the fresh apples into small, even pieces to ensure even baking and flavor distribution throughout the bread.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon with the brown sugar to create the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture. Set aside for layering.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to evenly spread the cinnamon’s warmth in the bread.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the white sugar, melted butter (or oil), vanilla extract, and milk to incorporate moisture and richness.
- Incorporate the Apples and Wet-Dry Mix: Fold the diced apples into the wet ingredients, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking and to keep the bread light.
- Layer the Cinnamon Swirl: Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture evenly over the batter, add the remaining batter on top, and finish by sprinkling the remaining swirl mixture.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating a perfect rise and golden finish.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples to maintain texture and avoid mushiness when baked.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir gently to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- Layer the cinnamon swirl evenly for a beautiful appearance and consistent flavor.
- Check the baking progress at around 50 minutes to prevent overbaking; ovens may vary.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon swirl bread, quick bread, autumn recipes, moist apple bread, cinnamon bread, homemade apple bread