Go Back
To make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread, you will need the following key items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar added) - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for the swirl) These ingredients create a soft and tasty bread with a lovely apple and cinnamon flavor. You can add some fun touches for more flavor. Here are a few ideas: - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch - 1/4 cup raisins for sweetness - A pinch of nutmeg for warmth These are not required but can make the bread even more special. To make this recipe easier, use these tools: - A 9x5 inch loaf pan - Mixing bowls (large and medium) - Whisk for mixing dry ingredients - Electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - A knife for swirling the batter Having the right tools makes cooking more fun and helps you create the best bread! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Grab a 9x5 inch loaf pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. This helps the bread slide out easily later. Next, take two medium apples. Peel and dice them into small pieces. Toss these apple pieces in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This keeps them fresh and tasty. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mix aside. Now, in a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mix to the butter mix. Alternate it with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined. Then, gently fold in the diced apples. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the batter. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This will create the swirl for your bread. Pour half of the batter into your loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mix on top. Add the rest of the batter and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over it. Use a knife to swirl it gently for a marbled look. Bake your bread in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. To make a great swirl in your bread, layer the batter with care. Start by pouring half of the batter into your pan. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mix over it. Then add the rest of the batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl through the layers. Aim for a marbled look, but don’t overdo it. A few gentle swirls will give you the best effect. For this recipe, I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness and crunch. Both hold their shape well when baked. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious. They can turn mushy and lose their flavor. To get soft and moist bread, do not overmix after adding the flour. Mix just until you see no dry flour. Also, adding buttermilk helps keep the bread moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a bit of vinegar. Lastly, let the bread cool completely before slicing. This step helps it set up nicely and keeps it from falling apart. {{image_2}} You can change up the apples for your bread. Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. If you want a milder flavor, try Fuji or Golden Delicious apples. Each type brings its own taste and texture. You can mix different varieties for a unique flavor. Just remember to peel and dice them for the best results. Adding nuts or dried fruits gives your bread a fun twist. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also use dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness. Just toss in about half a cup of your choice when you fold in the apples. This will add extra flavor and texture to each bite. Want to spice things up? Consider adding a touch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter. These spices pair well with cinnamon and apples. You can also mix in some orange or lemon zest for a bright flavor. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference. Remember, cooking is all about trying new things and enjoying the process! To keep your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil. This helps to keep moisture in and air out. Store the wrapped bread at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Freezing is a great option for this bread. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap the bread in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat your bread, slice off a piece and place it in the microwave. Heat it for 15-20 seconds. If you prefer it warm in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps it soft and tasty. Enjoy your warm bread with butter or a sprinkle of sugar! Yes, you can make some swaps in this recipe! If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk mixed with vinegar. This gives you a similar taste. You can also replace unsalted butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a different flavor. If you want a sweeter bread, use brown sugar instead of white sugar. Just keep in mind that these changes may alter the texture or taste a bit. To check if your bread is ready, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. You can also gently press the top. If it springs back, it’s ready to come out of the oven. Look for a golden-brown color on the top. If it’s too light, give it a few more minutes. Always trust your eyes and nose; the smell will guide you too! This bread tastes great on its own, but you can enhance it even more! Serve it warm with a pat of butter on top. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. You can also enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want something fresh, add a sprig of mint or some berries on the side. These options make it feel like a special treat! This post covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to make perfect cinnamon swirl apple bread. From choosing the best apples to baking and storing, you now have the skills to succeed. Experiment with variations to make it your own. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep baking!

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread that will fill your kitchen with warmth and irresistible scents. This easy recipe blends tender apples with a rich cinnamon swirl, making it perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. Discover how simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleaser everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and get baking today! Enjoy a slice of comfort in every bite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar added)

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for the swirl)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

    Prepare the Apples: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and set aside.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

        Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

          Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

            Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.

              Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

                Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together.

                  Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it. Add the remaining batter on top, and then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife to swirl the batter gently for a marbled effect.

                    Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                      Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 10 slices

                          - Presentation Tips: Slice the bread and serve warm with a pat of butter on top or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color!