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Moist Apple Cinnamon Quick Bread with Brown Sugar Swirl

A moist apple bread loaf, sliced to show the cinnamon swirl and chunks of apple inside, resting on a white plate.
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This is a moist apple bread recipe, perfect for fall baking, featuring fresh apples, warm spices, and a rich brown sugar cinnamon swirl. It makes a comforting homemade apple loaf ideal for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar, plus 1/4 cup for swirl
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
  • 2 cups peeled, finely chopped fresh apples (about 2 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • For the Swirl: 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • For the Glaze (Optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and buttermilk. Add this mixture alternately with the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped fresh apples and nuts (if using).
  6. Prepare the swirl: In a small bowl, mix the reserved 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
  7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together once or twice.
  8. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with foil after 40 minutes.
  9. Let the apple bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor in this moist apple bread.
  • To keep this quick bread recipe extra moist, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added.
  • This homemade apple loaf freezes well. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/moist-apple-bread-amazing-fall-bake/