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Apple Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Recipe

4.4 from 137 reviews

This moist and flavorful Apple Bread is a perfect autumn treat packed with tender chopped apples and warm cinnamon sugar swirls. With a soft crumb and lightly sweetened with brown and granulated sugars, it’s an ideal snack or breakfast bread. The recipe uses simple ingredients and classic baking techniques to create a delightful homemade loaf using an ordinary oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Sugar & Spices

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit

  • 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
  2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this aromatic mixture aside; it will add a delicious swirl of flavor in the bread.
  3. Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and granulated sugar until they are well blended and slightly frothy. This creates a smooth base for the batter.
  4. Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg mixture until smooth and fully incorporated. This enriches the batter and adds moisture.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. The batter will be thick at this point.
  6. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the chopped apples into the batter ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
  7. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon brown sugar mixture over this first layer of batter.
  8. Top with Remaining Batter and Sugar: Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, smoothing it out gently. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Using a knife or spoon, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the top layer of batter to create a marbled effect.
  9. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling step helps the bread set properly and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Use crisp apples like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
  • Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay to keep the bread tender.
  • If the bread top browns too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning during baking.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.

Keywords: Apple Bread, Cinnamon Swirl Bread, Homemade Bread, Fall Recipes, Breakfast Bread, Quick Bread