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)
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl and topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the Greek yogurt or sour cream. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the swirl and topping.
- 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.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- 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.
- 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!