- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped apples gently.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Assemble the Loaf:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it evenly.
- Create the Swirl:
- Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake the Loaf:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the loaf starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Cool the Loaf:
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Apple variety: Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Swirl technique: Swirl gently to create a marbled effect without fully mixing the cinnamon-sugar layer into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Serve slices with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese.
- Snack: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Conclusion
Relish in the warm and comforting flavors of your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and a tender crumb to create a loaf that’s perfect for any time of the day. Visit our site for more exclusive recipes and culinary inspirations to elevate your cooking adventures.