Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf! If you’re a fan of moist, flavorful bread with the perfect blend of sweet apples and warm cinnamon, then this recipe is for you. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this loaf is sure to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
6. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
7. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and spread it evenly. Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
Feel free to customize this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf to suit your taste preferences. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. For a sweeter twist, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf. You can also experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors.
For a healthier version, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup.
Tips
For the best results, use fresh apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Make sure to dice the apples into small pieces for even distribution throughout the loaf.
To prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.
If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of ground cinnamon in the batter or the cinnamon sugar swirl.
This loaf is best served warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Conclusion
Congratulations on baking a delightful Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf that’s sure to become a family favorite. The warm aroma of cinnamon and sweet apples wafting through your kitchen is a true delight. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this loaf is a comforting treat for any occasion. So, savor each bite and share the joy of homemade baking with your loved ones!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of apples in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I freeze this loaf for later consumption?
A: Yes, you can freeze the loaf once it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q: How can I ensure my loaf doesn’t get too dry?
A: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough loaf. Also, avoid overbaking the loaf; check for doneness with a toothpick and remove from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.
Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
A moist and flavorful loaf with the perfect blend of sweet apples and warm cinnamon, this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
-
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
-
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
-
Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and spread it evenly. Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
