Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe

Quick & Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe For Fall

Crisp autumn mornings call for a delightful cinnamon swirl apple bread that wraps you in warm, comforting memories.

Sweet aromas of baked goodness will dance through your kitchen, promising pure deliciousness.

Soft, tender crumbs blend perfectly with ribbons of spicy cinnamon and chunks of fresh apples.

Baking this treat feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavor and nostalgia.

Each slice promises a magical blend of textures that makes your taste buds sing with joy.

Mixing simple ingredients transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary and memorable.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible bread.

Tips for Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Bakers

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure a smooth, fluffy texture that blends seamlessly with sugar.
  • Choose Apple Varieties Wisely: Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a balanced flavor profile.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh, vibrant color in the bread.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the bread tender and prevent developing tough gluten strands that can make the texture dense.
  • Create Swirl Variation: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar between bread layers for extra caramelized, aromatic swirls throughout the loaf.

Store Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread for Later

  • Store leftover apple bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Keep the bread covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
  • Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the bread's soft texture and enhance the cinnamon aroma.

Pair With Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

  • A creamy chai latte complements the bread's sweet cinnamon notes, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
  • A crisp, chilled apple cider provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, soft bread, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
  • Softened maple-pecan butter or whipped cream cheese adds luxurious richness and deepens the bread's warm spice profile.
  • A light moscato or sweet riesling wine offers delicate fruity undertones that beautifully highlight the apple and cinnamon elements.

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Versions

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same texture and binding properties for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free and egg-free option.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the bread's sweet cinnamon flavor profile.
  • Nut-Infused Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional value, providing a protein-rich enhancement to the classic apple bread recipe.

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but use a 1:1 ratio and expect a slightly denser, more rustic texture in your bread.

  • How ripe should the apples be for this recipe?

Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

  • Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients.

  • Can I freeze this cinnamon swirl apple bread?

The bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What Makes Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Special

  • Create a warm, inviting dessert that pleases both kids and adults, offering a nostalgic taste of home-baked goodness with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Serve this bread as a cozy breakfast, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that transitions beautifully from casual family meals to weekend gatherings with friends.
  • Master this recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal starting point for novice bakers wanting to build confidence in the kitchen.

What’s in Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Granulated Sugar: Creamy base that provides sweetness and rich texture for the bread.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and helps ingredients combine smoothly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender bread crumb.
Base Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Core structure of the bread, provides necessary protein for proper texture.
  • Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps bread rise and become light.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
Fruit and Flavoring:
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness, moisture, and texture to the bread.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple flavor and adds aromatic depth to the bread.

Baking Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread at Home

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, creating a smooth and creamy base.

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until the mixture becomes silky and well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Fresh Apple Chunks

Carefully add diced apples to the batter, folding them in gently to distribute evenly without breaking the fruit pieces.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Swirl

Mix in a separate bowl:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar

Swirl this mixture into the batter, creating beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the bread.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter inside, ensuring an even spread.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, creating a golden, aromatic bread.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy the delightful cinnamon-apple goodness.

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Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 84 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm, fragrant cinnamon swirl apple bread brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising delightful homemade goodness. Buttery layers of sweet apples and spicy cinnamon create a memorable treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (120g) peeled and diced apples
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk

Sweeteners and Sugars:

  • ⅔ cup (130 grams) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (70 grams) brown sugar

Additional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks forming.
  2. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition, then introduce vanilla extract for enhanced aromatic depth.
  3. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate receptacle, creating a uniform dry foundation for the batter.
  4. Methodically integrate dry ingredients with the creamy base, alternating with milk in a rhythmic pouring technique to maintain smooth batter texture.
  5. Gently fold chopped apples into the mixture, distributing fruit pieces evenly without disrupting the delicate batter structure.
  6. Prepare a separate swirl mixture by combining cinnamon and additional sugar, creating a fragrant layering component.
  7. Pour half the batter into a prepared loaf pan, generously sprinkle cinnamon mixture across the surface, then cover with remaining batter.
  8. Use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns, ensuring cinnamon blend intertwines throughout the bread’s interior.
  9. Transfer to preheated oven, baking until a wooden skewer emerges clean when inserted into the bread’s center.
  10. Allow bread to cool completely in the pan before carefully extracting and slicing for serving.

Notes

  • Choose very ripe, soft apples like Gala or Fuji for maximum sweetness and moisture in the bread.
  • Dust apple pieces with a little flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
  • Create an extra moist bread by allowing the diced apples to release some moisture before folding into the batter, ensuring a rich, dense crumb.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5060 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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