Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible scent of freshly baked goods filling the air. As the leaves turn golden and the crispness of the season settles in, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a slice of homemade cake with a cup of tea or coffee. If you’re craving a comforting, sweet treat to brighten your fall afternoons, this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the perfect solution. With a swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness and tender, juicy apples baked into a soft, moist loaf, this recipe is everything you need to embrace the flavors of fall.
This homemade loaf is easy to make, packed with flavor, and features a luscious glaze that takes it to the next level of indulgence. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering, a holiday breakfast, or simply want to treat yourself to a slice of autumnal bliss, this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf will surely become your go-to fall recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this loaf so special? First, it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of apples, cinnamon, and vanilla. The apple cinnamon swirl creates a stunning visual effect while infusing each bite with the perfect amount of warmth and spice. Plus, the addition of a simple glaze adds a touch of sweetness that brings the whole thing together.
It’s also wonderfully versatile—great for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even as a dessert. And don’t forget how amazing your kitchen will smell as it bakes! If you love apple cinnamon flavors (and who doesn’t in the fall?), this loaf will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 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
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped (any kind)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures that your loaf comes out of the pan easily after baking, and the flour helps create a beautiful crust.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this aside because you’ll use it to create the signature cinnamon swirl that makes this loaf so special.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the white sugar and butter together until smooth and creamy. This is an important step—taking the time to beat the butter and sugar properly will create a lighter texture in your loaf.
Once the sugar and butter are creamed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will give your loaf that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients and Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, stirring until everything is well combined. Finally, add the milk and stir until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
5. Layer the Batter and Apples
Now comes the fun part! Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly, then layer half of the chopped apples over the batter. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apples. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar mixture. This layering technique creates those beautiful cinnamon swirls as the loaf bakes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the loaf in your preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it toward the end. Once done, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help the loaf set before you remove it from the pan.
7. Glaze and Cool
While the loaf is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create the glaze. Once the loaf has cooled completely on a wire rack, drizzle the glaze over the top, adding that final touch of sweetness.
Tips and Variations
- Apple Varieties: For the best texture and flavor, use apples that hold up well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples balance sweetness and tartness, giving your loaf a deliciously fresh apple flavor.
- Make it a Little Spicier: If you love a bit more spice, feel free to add nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. A pinch of cloves could also be a wonderful addition to give the loaf a deeper, warmer flavor.
- Swap the Glaze: If you prefer a less sweet topping, skip the glaze entirely and dust the top of the cooled loaf with a little powdered sugar for a lighter finish. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be a fantastic addition.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: For some added crunch or chewiness, consider tossing in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter. They’ll add texture and another layer of flavor to your loaf.
- Freezing: This loaf freezes beautifully! Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- For Breakfast: Serve a slice with your morning coffee or tea. The apples and cinnamon make it feel like the perfect cozy breakfast on a chilly autumn day.
- For Afternoon Tea: Pair it with a pot of black tea or a chai latte for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- As a Dessert: Warm it up and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert.
- For a Gift: Wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine, this loaf makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends or family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the ultimate fall treat—a delicious combination of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a soft, moist loaf, all drizzled with a sweet glaze that ties it all together. Whether you bake it for yourself, as a gift, or for a gathering, it’s sure to bring joy and comfort to anyone who tries it. It’s easy to make, easy to share, and most importantly, full of all the cozy flavors we crave during the autumn season.
So go ahead—bake, slice, and enjoy the delightful flavors of fall with this homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf. Happy baking
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 310 kcal per serving
Servings: 8 servings