Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar) - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for swirling) Using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples is best. Their tartness balances the sweetness. Unsalted butter gives you control over salt. If you want, you can swap buttermilk for regular milk with vinegar. This keeps the bread moist and tasty. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil works well in place of butter. If you have a nut allergy, leave out any nuts from the recipe. Adjusting sugar can also help for those watching their intake. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it ready for baking. Next, take a 9x5 inch loaf pan and grease it well. You can use butter or non-stick spray. This step helps the bread come out easily after baking. Now, let’s mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix it well and set it aside. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it looks light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is mixed in well before adding the next. After the eggs, pour in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and mix briefly. Now, it’s time to combine the mixtures. Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Alternate this with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Be careful not to overmix; aim for just combined. Finally, gently fold in the diced apples. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This will be your cinnamon swirl. Now, pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan. Smooth it out evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Next, pour the rest of the batter into the pan and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife to create a gentle swirl through the batter. Do not mix it in completely; you want a pretty marbled look. Now, it’s ready to bake! To bake the best cinnamon swirl apple bread, follow these tips: - Preheat your oven fully to 350°F (175°C) before baking. - Use room temperature butter for easy mixing. - Mix the batter gently; overmixing can make the bread tough. - Use a toothpick to check for doneness. It should come out clean. - Let the bread cool in the pan for ten minutes before moving it to a wire rack. To keep your bread fresh: - Store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. - For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. - To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. - You can also toast each slice for a crispy edge and warm center. For a delightful treat, try serving your bread in different ways: - Slice the bread warm and add a pat of butter on top. - Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. - Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. - Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack. {{image_4}} You can easily make this bread gluten-free. Use a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure it has xanthan gum for proper texture. The bread will still be soft and tasty. Adding nuts or dried fruits can boost flavor and texture. Try walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness. Mix in about 1/2 cup into the batter. Want to spice it up? You can add different spices. Try nutmeg or cardamom for a warm twist. Just add 1/2 teaspoon to the dry mixture. This gives your bread a unique taste that everyone will love. After baking, let the bread cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it moist and fresh. You can also store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing. To freeze, slice the bread first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The bread can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it at room temperature. Cinnamon swirl apple bread lasts for about three days at room temperature. If you refrigerate it, it may last up to a week. But, refrigerating can make the bread dry. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the bread smells off or has mold, toss it out. Yes, you can use other apples. I like Granny Smith for their tartness. Honeycrisp also works well as they are sweet and crisp. Fuji or Braeburn apples can add a nice flavor too. Each type will change the taste a bit. Choose what you like best! To make this bread dairy-free, replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine. For the buttermilk, use almond milk or soy milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. This swap will keep the bread moist and tasty. This bread is great on its own, but you can serve it with more fun! Try it with a pat of butter for richness. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream can make it special too. Enjoy it with your favorite hot drink! In this post, we covered key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips for making Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread. You learned about ingredient choices, substitutions, and how to mix and swirl the dough. We shared storage tips and clever variations to keep things fresh. Remember, this bread can fit many tastes. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this warm treat with others. Dive in and have fun creating something delicious!$

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread! This delightful recipe combines fluffy bread with tart apples and a sweet cinnamon swirl that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. With simple ingredients, you can create this delicious loaf in just over an hour. Get the full recipe now and impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering treat that will make your home smell heavenly! Click through to discover the details!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for tartness)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for swirling)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Apples: In a small bowl, douse the diced apples with lemon juice to enhance their flavor and prevent browning. Toss them gently to coat and set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. Afterward, pour in the vanilla extract and mix briefly to combine.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Alternate between adding the dry mixture and the buttermilk, starting and concluding with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be just combined.

Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter using a spatula, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.

Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring until thoroughly mixed.

Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and then scatter the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife to create a gentle swirl, making sure not to mix it in completely for a beautiful marbled effect.

Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: Approximately 10 slices

- Presentation Tips: Slice the warm bread and serve with a pat of butter for a delightful finish, or dust the top with powdered sugar for added elegance. Garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint to add a vibrant touch to your presentation!