Few things say comfort like a beautifully baked Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf. This inviting quick bread wraps together tender apples, swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon, and a moist, buttery crumb. It’s the sort of treat that fills the whole house with warmth and sweetness, and makes you want to linger just a little longer over breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re looking for something special for brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or just a delicious way to celebrate apple season, this recipe brings out all those homey flavors in a delightful, impressive loaf.

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf lies in its simple, trusty ingredients. Each item adds something important — from richness and softness to a gently spiced aroma and luscious tang. Let’s take a look at what you’ll gather for baking bliss:

All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy-yet-tender base of your loaf, making it sliceable but never dense.
Baking powder: Adds lift so the loaf rises light and high.
Baking soda: Team player with the sour cream or yogurt to give a wonderful crumb.
Salt: Just a bit enhances all the other flavors — don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter, softened: Brings in buttery flavor and moistness, making each bite rich.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumb while still letting the apples shine.
Large eggs: These are the glue that binds your loaf together, helping it hold its shape.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Both bring lovely tang and keep things deliciously moist.
Vanilla extract: Adds that little extra something you taste but can’t quite name.
Peeled and finely diced apples: The star! Use your favorites and dice them fine for juicy bursts in every bite.
Brown sugar: For a caramel-y, cozy swirl that makes this loaf irresistibly good.
Ground cinnamon: Brings classic warmth and spice — it wouldn’t be an apple loaf without it!

How to Make Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This small step ensures your loaf pops out effortlessly, showing off all those gorgeous cinnamon swirls. If you like, you can also line your pan with parchment paper for even easier removal later on.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly, so your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf bakes up with a perfect, even crumb. Set this bowl aside for a moment — you’ll come right back to it.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl and either a mixer or a sturdy spoon, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step traps air, which means your loaf will have a gorgeous texture. Creaming is key — don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Beat your eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before you add the next. Then, stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract, mixing until everything’s smooth and velvety. You’re building a beautifully tender, flavorful base for your apples and cinnamon magic.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently stir the dry mixture into your wet mixture, taking care not to overmix — the goal is just to get everything combined. This keeps your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf wonderfully soft instead of dense. Fold in the diced apples at the last moment for those delicious, juicy bits in every slice.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. These two simple ingredients combine to create that classic cinnamon swirl everyone loves. It’s also what gives the loaf its beautiful fall-inspired ribbons throughout!

Step 7: Swirl and Layer

Spoon half the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle on half the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then layer the rest of the batter on top. Finally, finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. With a thin knife, gently swirl through the loaf to create a pretty marbled effect, but don’t overdo it — a few gentle figure-eights go a long way.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf for 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Let it cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Try not to sneak a slice too soon — letting it cool helps it set beautifully for slicing!

How to Serve Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar looks stunning and adds just the right touch of sweetness. For extra fancy flair, drizzle a quick vanilla glaze atop your loaf or scatter a handful of toasted, chopped pecans before serving. This little bit of dressing up makes your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf feel truly special.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs brilliantly with a creamy latte, a cup of black tea, or a fruit salad for brunch. It’s also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. No matter what you serve it with, the apple and cinnamon notes always shine through.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut thick, rustic slices and arrange them on a pretty serving board, or cube the loaf and skewer it for a dessert kabob at parties. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with a bit of honey butter for an afternoon treat. However you present it, Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is made to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extras of your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its plush texture and keeps those apple bits extra juicy. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you may want to refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully, making it perfect for advance meal prep or surprise guests. Simply wrap slices or the whole cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a home-baked treat any time.

Reheating

For warm, bakery-fresh slices, place individual pieces in the microwave for about 15 seconds or wrap them in foil and warm in a low (300°F) oven for 10 minutes. Toasted slices also develop a lovely crisp edge and make a perfect breakfast with a pat of butter.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert

Absolutely! While Granny Smith is a popular choice for its tartness, you can use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just remember, tarter apples give you more contrast with the sweet swirl, while sweet apples make for a milder bite.

Is it possible to make this loaf dairy free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy yogurt in place of sour cream or Greek yogurt. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still enjoy a delicious, moist loaf.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Certainly! Feel free to stir up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or golden raisins into the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just mix them in with the apples at the end.

How do I know if the loaf is done baking?

Insert a toothpick deep into the center of your loaf. If it comes out mostly clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If you see wet batter, give it a few more minutes — oven times can vary.

What’s the best way to slice the loaf without it falling apart?

Let the Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp, serrated knife for clean cuts, and steady the loaf gently with your free hand for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about baking this Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf in your own kitchen! It always brings joy and comfort, whether you’re enjoying a cozy morning or sharing with friends. Give it a try — I bet it’ll become one of your new favorite bakes.

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade apple cinnamon swirl loaf. This delicious treat is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea.

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
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 1–2 apples)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in diced apples.
Make swirl mixture: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Layer batter and swirl mixture: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mix, add remaining batter, and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mix. Swirl gently with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.

Notes

Consider using tart apples for a contrasting flavor or sweeter varieties for a milder taste.
Loaf freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic and foil for storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American