Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aromas wafting through your home when baking bread from scratch. The warmth, the anticipation, and the promise of a freshly baked treat can turn an ordinary day into a special occasion. Among the myriad of bread recipes, the Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf stands out as a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will please any palate. Imagine the sweet and tart bites of fresh apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of nuts, all enveloped in a soft, buttery loaf. This recipe is not just about creating a loaf of bread; it’s about crafting a heartwarming experience that brings family and friends together.

Indulge in the cozy charm of homemade baking with this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf recipe. This delightful loaf combines sweet Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts for a treat that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. The comforting aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen while it bakes, creating a heartwarming experience for family and friends. Simple to make, this loaf is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. Enjoy it warm with butter or as a sweet snack anytime!

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Ingredients

For the Apple Cinnamon Swirl:

1 large apple (preferably Granny Smith), peeled and diced

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the Loaf:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

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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.

Prepare Apple Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the diced apple, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Set aside to let the apples absorb the flavors.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

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

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently into the batter.

Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly spread half of the apple cinnamon mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and layer with the rest of the apple mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the mixture into the loaf.

Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the loaf batter.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Tent the loaf with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too much.)

Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice your delicious Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf and enjoy it warm or toasted, perfect with a pat of butter or simply on its own!

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Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr 15 min | 10 servings