Print

Classic Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Classic Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Classic Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread is an irresistibly moist loaf packed with juicy apple chunks, layered with warm cinnamon sugar, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Each bite delivers comforting, cozy flavors guaranteed to brighten your breakfast, snack, or dessert table—perfect for fall or year-round baking.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Bread Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cups diced apples (peeled)

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy.
  4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth.
  5. Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until just combined, ensuring a moist and tender bread texture.
  6. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing just until no flour patches remain. Don’t overmix.
  7. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced, peeled apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  8. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well blended.
  9. Layer & Swirl Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon mixture. Top with remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixture for a marbled effect.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  11. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, remove from the pan and set on a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle thoroughly over the cooled loaf before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a flavor contrast, or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
  • Ensure the bread is fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
  • Leftovers keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze slices for longer storage.
  • Greek yogurt works as a substitute for sour cream and keeps the bread moist.
  • For a thicker swirl, feel free to double the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/classic-apple-cinnamon-swirl-bread-recipe/