This loaf is moist, fragrant, and full of apple-pie flavor. The cinnamon-sugar swirl melts into the batter as it bakes, creating caramelized pockets and a lightly crisp edge. A simple vanilla glaze drizzled on top gives it the perfect finishing touch. It’s wonderful for Thanksgiving morning, fall gatherings, or a homemade edible gift.

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🧾 Ingredients

Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Loaf Batter

• 2/3 cup white sugar

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 large apple, peeled & finely diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)

Optional Vanilla Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line or grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

3. Combine brown sugar + cinnamon and set aside.

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2. Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together white sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.

3. Add vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.

5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.

6. Fold in the diced apple pieces.

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3. Assemble the Swirl

1. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.

2. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

3. Add the remaining batter.

4. Top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar.

5. Use a knife to swirl through the batter gently.

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4. Bake

• Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully.

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5. Optional Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled loaf for a bakery-worthy finish.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Slice warm with butter or cinnamon honey.

• Serve with hot tea, coffee, or apple cider.

• Toast slices for breakfast with a dollop of cream cheese.

• Pair with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

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✨ Tips for a Perfect Loaf

• Use crisp apples so they don’t turn mushy.

• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps it soft and tender.

• Let the loaf cool before slicing so the swirl sets.

• Add extra cinnamon to the swirl for stronger spice flavor.

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🍏 Variations

• Caramel Apple Loaf: Add caramel drizzle inside and on top.

• Apple Pie Spice Loaf: Add nutmeg + cloves.

• Pecan Crunch Version: Add 1/3 cup chopped pecans to the swirl.

• Healthier: Replace 1/2 the flour with whole wheat flour.

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❓ Related Questions

1. Can I freeze this loaf?

Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter.

2. Can I substitute the apples?

Pears, peaches, or mixed berries work well too.

3. Why did my loaf sink in the middle?

It’s often due to underbaking or expired baking powder.

4. Can I make muffins instead?

Absolutely—bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

5. Should the apples be diced or sliced?

Finely diced apples give the best texture and swirl.