! —
### **Fall in a Slice! Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf**
**Description:**
Indulge in the flavors of autumn with this delightful Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf. The perfect blend of warm cinnamon and sweet apple swirled into a tender, buttery loaf makes for a cozy treat that’s just right for any fall afternoon. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for the ultimate seasonal comfort.
**Ingredients:**
– **Cinnamon Swirl:**
– 1/3 cup light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– **Loaf:**
– 2/3 cup white sugar
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
– 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced (suggested varieties: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mix:**
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will be used to create the signature cinnamon swirl in the loaf.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to ensuring a tender loaf.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:**
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
6. **Alternate Adding Flour and Milk:**
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk (beginning and ending with the flour). Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
7. **Incorporate the Apples:**
Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. **Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar:**
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter.
9. **Create the Swirl:**
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter. Insert the knife into the batter and make a zigzag pattern or swirl it around in circles to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overdo it, or the swirl might blend into the batter too much.
10. **Bake:**
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and your kitchen should smell like cinnamon and baked apples!
11. **Cool and Slice:**
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the loaf set and makes it easier to slice. Once cooled, slice into thick pieces and serve.
12. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Serve the Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf slightly warm, with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert with a cup of tea or coffee.
—
**Tip:** For an extra indulgent treat, consider adding a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk or apple cider, and drizzling it over the cooled loaf.
Enjoy the taste of fall with every bite!