Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe
Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, a homemade apple cinnamon swirl loaf is perfect for any time of year, though especially delightful during the fall. This moist and tender loaf combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, all swirled into a soft bread base. It's an ideal breakfast treat, a delicious snack, or even a sweet dessert. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make and doesn't require any special skills or equipment.
Overview:
-Prep Time: 20 minutes
-Cook Time: 60 minutes
-Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
-Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
-1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-½ teaspoon baking soda
-¼ teaspoon salt
-½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-1 cup granulated sugar
-2 large eggs
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar)
-2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
-⅓ cup granulated sugar
-1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
-For the Topping (Optional):
-2 tablespoons melted butter
-¼ cup brown sugar
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
Equipment:
-9x5-inch loaf pan
-Mixing bowls (small and large)
-Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
-Whisk
-Spatula or wooden spoon
-Measuring cups and spoons
-Paring knife (for peeling and dicing apples)
-Toothpick or cake tester
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Apples:
-Start by selecting the right apples. For baking, it's best to use a variety of apples that will hold their shape and add a balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice because they’re firm and slightly tart, which pairs well with the sweetness of the loaf. Honeycrisp apples are another excellent choice if you prefer a slightly sweeter option.
-Peeling and Dicing: Peel your apples using a paring knife or peeler. Once peeled, remove the cores and dice the apples into small chunks. You want the pieces to be uniform in size so that they cook evenly in the loaf. Set the diced apples aside for later use.
2. Prepping the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:
-The cinnamon swirl is what gives this loaf its signature twist of flavor. The swirl is easy to make and adds a beautiful pattern to the loaf when sliced.
-Mixing the Swirl: In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Set this aside for now; it will be layered into the loaf during assembly.
3. Preparing the Loaf Batter:
-Now it’s time to prepare the main loaf batter, which will act as the base for the apple cinnamon swirl. This batter is similar to a classic quick bread batter, with a tender crumb and a slightly sweet taste.
-Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients beforehand ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, which will help your loaf rise properly.
-Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a larger mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the batter, giving the loaf a light texture.
-Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar mixture is creamed, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
-Incorporating Buttermilk: Add the buttermilk to the mixture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the loaf, making it softer and moister.
-Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the loaf dense. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
-Adding the Apples: Finally, fold the diced apples into the batter. The apples will add moisture and sweetness to the loaf, as well as a lovely texture in every bite.
4. Assembling the Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf:
-Now that your batter and cinnamon swirl are ready, it’s time to layer them into the loaf pan.
-Greasing the Loaf Pan: Grease your 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. If desired, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
-Layering the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl: Pour half of the loaf batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
-Creating the Swirl: Pour the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer, spreading it evenly. Next, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. To create the swirl, take a butter knife and gently swirl the batter by running the knife in a figure-eight pattern through the batter. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you still want visible layers of cinnamon.
5. Baking the Loaf:
-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the loaf pan in the center of the oven.
-Baking Time: Bake the loaf for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it's important to check for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
-Topping (Optional): For an extra touch of sweetness, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle it with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon during the last 10 minutes of baking. This creates a caramelized crust that complements the soft interior.
6. Cooling and Serving:
-Cooling: After baking, take the loaf out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for around 10 minutes. Then, tThen, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let the loaf cool before slicing to ensure that the texture sets properly.
-Slicing: Once the loaf is cool, slice it into 1-inch thick pieces. You’ll notice the beautiful cinnamon swirl pattern running through each slice, along with chunks of apple.
-Serving Suggestions: This apple cinnamon swirl loaf is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf:
-Choose the Right Apples:
-Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are the best choices because they hold their shape when baked. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy.
Don’t Overmix:
-Overmixing the batter may result in a tough, dense loaf Fold the ingredients together just until they’re combined to ensure a light and tender crumb.
Swirling Technique:
-When swirling the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter, be gentle. You want the swirl to remain distinct, so avoid overmixing it into the batter.
Storage:
-This loaf keeps well for several days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing:
-To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the loaf at room temperature overnight or in the fridge for a few hours.
Variations:
Nutty Addition:
-Add a crunch to your loaf by folding in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter with the apples. The nuts add a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
Glaze Topping:
-For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the loaf after it has cooled. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Pour the glaze over the top of the loaf and let it set before slicing.
Spiced Apple Loaf:
-For a more autumnal flavor, add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves to the cinnamon swirl mixture. These spices will enhance the warmth and depth of the cinnamon.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice):
-Calories: 280
-Carbohydrates: 38g
-Protein: 3g
-Fat: 13g
-Saturated Fat: 7g
-Fiber: 2g
-Sugar: 22g
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