Warm Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Ingredients

• 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 granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully integrated.
4. Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in the chopped apples gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. In a small dish, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside for the swirl.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
8. Layer the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar, and finish by sprinkling the top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. If desired, top with chopped walnuts or pecans.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
10. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.