Fall in a slice! đđ Our Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the cozy, delicious treat your autumn afternoons need. This loaf is everything you love about the season, with warm cinnamon sugar, tender chunks of apple, and a buttery base that fills your kitchen with the sweetest aroma while baking. Each slice brings the perfect balance of soft cake and spiced apple flavor, making it ideal to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
What makes this loaf special is the swirl of cinnamon sugar running through the middle, adding a touch of sweetness and spice that contrasts beautifully with the buttery crumb. The chopped apples keep it moist, while the golden crust bakes up with just the right amount of crispness. Itâs simple enough for a weekday bake but also elegant enough to serve when family or friends come over.
Ingredients
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 apple, peeled and finely chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then set aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add half of the chopped apple and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Layer with the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the apples and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the loaf to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice once cooled slightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
This loaf is a perfect afternoon snack, but it also makes a wonderful breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with a smear of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a thin spread of cream cheese. The cinnamon swirl and apple chunks keep every bite interesting, giving the loaf a homemade charm that feels like autumn in every slice.
If youâd like to add a little twist, you can mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a nutty crunch. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk drizzled on top once cooled also makes it look and taste extra special. For a slightly tangier version, try using Granny Smith apples, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will give the loaf a more mellow sweetness.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the loaf will stay fresh for up to three days. It also freezes wellâwrap slices individually and freeze for up to two months, then thaw and reheat gently for a cozy treat whenever you need one.
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf captures the essence of fall in a simple, comforting bake. Itâs a recipe that invites you to slow down, enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen, and savor each slice. Baking it once is never enoughâyouâll find yourself returning to this cozy loaf throughout the season.