Here’s a cozy and irresistible Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf — soft, tender, and packed with spiced apple goodness and a sweet cinnamon-sugar ribbon through the middle. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
🍎🍞 Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
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1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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Dash of vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment.
2. Make Cinnamon Swirl Mix:
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Stir together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Make the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
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Fold in the chopped apples.
4. Layer the Batter:
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Spoon half the batter into the loaf pan.
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Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
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Add the remaining batter on top and smooth it out.
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Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top.
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Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter a couple of times.
5. Bake:
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Glaze (Optional):
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Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled loaf.
Serving Suggestions:
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Slice and serve slightly warm with butter or cream cheese.
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Excellent with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans baked in or on top.
Tips & Variations:
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Add ¼ cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a fall twist.
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Swap sour cream with apple cider yogurt for even more apple flavor.
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Want it lighter? Use applesauce in place of half the butter.