Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

When autumn rolls in—or anytime you crave something cozy and sweet—there’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of apple cinnamon filling your kitchen. This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a homemade, comforting quick bread with soft chunks of apple and a rich brown sugar cinnamon ribbon running through the middle. It’s moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Whether you’re serving it as a breakfast loaf, an afternoon snack with tea, or a sweet end to dinner, this loaf checks every box: soft texture, a beautiful swirl, and that irresistible spiced apple flavor we all know and love.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

There are so many reasons this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen:

Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand already.

Incredibly Moist: Thanks to fresh apples and just the right blend of fat and sugar.

Swirled with Flavor: The cinnamon sugar swirl creates both visual appeal and extra flavor in every bite.

Freezer-Friendly: Make one for now, and freeze a second for later!

Perfect for Gifting: Wrap it up with a little twine and a handwritten tag—it’s the ultimate homemade gift.

Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

This recipe makes one standard loaf (8×4 or 9×5 inch pan):

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Loaf:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1¾ teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup milk

1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

How To Make This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Step 1: Prep Your Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. This is your sweet, spiced ribbon of joy that will get layered into the loaf.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this helps create that soft, tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined (don’t overmix!). Fold in the chopped apples.

Step 3: Layer the Loaf

Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mix on top.

Use a knife to swirl the batter lightly—just enough to create a marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through.

Step 5: Cool & Slice

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Don’t overmix the batter—this can make the loaf tough. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.

Room temperature ingredients blend better and create a smoother batter.

Want even more cinnamon flavor? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon directly to the batter too!

A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking gives a bakery-style crunchy crust.

Serving Ideas

This loaf is versatile and works for any time of day:

Breakfast: Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.

Brunch table star: Serve alongside fresh fruit, eggs, and yogurt.

Snack: A slice in the afternoon makes a great pick-me-up.

Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.

How to Store & Freeze

Room Temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3–4 days.

Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week. Slice and warm in the microwave before serving.

Freezer: This loaf freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm slices as desired.

Make It Your Own: Fun Variations!

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:

Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch.

Add raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy twist.

Top with streusel: A buttery crumble topping makes it even more decadent.

Use whole wheat flour: Sub half of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.

Turn into muffins: Spoon into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes for individual servings.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking with apples and cinnamon. The smell alone is enough to wrap you in comfort, and this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf tastes as amazing as it smells. With its moist texture, beautiful cinnamon swirl, and pops of sweet apple, this loaf is an instant classic in any kitchen.

Perfect for sharing, gifting, or devouring slice by slice, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to brighten a regular Tuesday, it never fails to impress.

So grab those apples, dust off your loaf pan, and let’s get baking!

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