Fall in a slice! 🍁🍎 Our Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the cozy, delicious treat your autumn afternoons need. Bake, slice, and enjoy this delightful loaf that’s perfect for the season.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Loaf
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/3 cup of light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the 2/3 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 3/4 teaspoons of baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Assemble the Loaf
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter and then top with half of the chopped apple. Repeat with the remaining batter, cinnamon sugar, and chopped apple.
6. Swirl the Batter
Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-mix.
7. Bake the Loaf
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
Choosing the Right Apples
For this recipe, it’s best to use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold up well during baking and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet batter.
Ensuring Even Mixing
When swirling the batter, make sure to create a balanced marbled effect. Too much swirling can mix the layers together, while too little can leave distinct layers without the swirl effect.
Storing the Loaf
Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. You might also need to add a bit more liquid to the batter.
2. Can I add nuts to the loaf?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to this loaf. Add about 1/2 cup of nuts to the batter for an extra crunch.
3. Can I use a different type of sugar?
You can substitute the white sugar with coconut sugar or another granulated sugar. The flavor and sweetness might vary slightly.
4. How do I know when the loaf is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the loaf is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.
5. Can I use apple sauce instead of chopped apples?
Yes, you can use apple sauce, but the texture will be different. Use about 1/2 cup of apple sauce in place of the chopped apples.
6. How can I make this loaf dairy-free?
To make this loaf dairy-free, use a plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk.
7. Can I add a glaze on top?
A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled on top after the loaf has cooled would add an extra touch of sweetness. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and drizzle over the loaf.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful addition to any fall gathering or cozy afternoon at home. With its tender crumb and warm cinnamon flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the taste of autumn in every bite! I