Apple Cinnamon Loaf

This Apple Cinnamon Loaf is a wonderfully moist and flavorful quick bread, packed with chunks of fresh apples and a sweet, cinnamon-sugar swirl. The comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills the kitchen as it bakes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon treat with a cup of tea. The combination of juicy apple pieces and the subtle crunch from the cinnamon-sugar topping makes each slice irresistible. It’s a simple yet delightful recipe that can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s particularly cozy in the fall when apples are in season.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl and topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the Greek yogurt or sour cream. Mix until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
7. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the swirl and topping.
8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
9. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect.
10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
11. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy a slice of this cozy Apple Cinnamon Loaf with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey!