Description
This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread, filled with tender chunks of apple and a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar swirl that complements the soft crumb beautifully. Perfect for fall baking, it makes a delightful dessert or a comforting snack, especially when served warm or toasted with butter.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Fruit and Swirl
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and well combined, helping create a moist texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the finely chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to make the swirl mixture.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
- This loaf is delicious served warm or toasted with a little butter for extra indulgence.
