Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. The Heavenly Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful embodiment of this seasonal magic, perfect for fall and winter gatherings. This warm, moist loaf combines the sweet, tart flavor of apples with the warm spice of cinnamon, evoking nostalgic memories of cozy afternoons spent with family and friends. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a satisfying dessert, or a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee, this loaf is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.

Embrace the cozy vibes of fall and winter with our Heavenly Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf, a delectable treat that fills your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples. This moist, flavorful loaf features tender apple chunks and a luscious cinnamon swirl, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack. With easy step-by-step instructions, it's a delightful addition to any gathering that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy a slice with tea or coffee and savor a sweet moment!

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Ingredients

For the loaf:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk

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

For the cinnamon swirl:

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup brown sugar

For the glaze (optional):

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons milk or water

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

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

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Fold in Apples:

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

Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:

In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl.

Layer the Batter:

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixtures together for a marbled effect.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top gets too brown, you can cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Cool:

Remove from the oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze:

While the loaf cools, mix the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf for added sweetness.

Serve:

Slice and enjoy your delicious apple cinnamon swirl loaf warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea!

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