Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe
Introduction
Savor the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread. This moist and tender loaf is packed with fresh apples and swirls of cinnamon sugar, making it the perfect treat for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, it fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Step 3: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well until combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in the diced apples and nuts if using.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar swirl.
- Step 8: Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
- Step 9: Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Step 10: Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 11: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- Swap the apples for pears or add dried cranberries for a twist on the flavor.
- Try using pecans or walnuts for the nuts to add a different crunchy texture.
- Use a mix of brown and white sugar for a richer cinnamon swirl.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until just heated through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
It’s best to use fresh apples peeled and diced, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
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Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Description
Savor the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread recipe. This moist and tender loaf is packed with fresh apples and swirls of cinnamon sugar, making it the perfect treat for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, this bread fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Nuts
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the bread does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon, stirring well to blend all dry ingredients evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture in the bread.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet batter, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the diced peeled apples and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for perfect texture and flavor.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl topping.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
- Cool Bread: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to retain its shape and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans for the optional nuts to add different flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or margarine instead of unsalted butter.
- Ensure apples are peeled and diced small for even distribution and moisture balance.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a warm treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread, Apple Bread, Cinnamon Bread, Fall Recipes, Breakfast Bread, Quick Bread, Swirl Bread

