Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl – Easy Fall Favorite Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl baking in the oven. This cozy loaf is everything you love about fall wrapped into a slice: tender chunks of tart apple, a ribbon of sweet cinnamon sugar, and a golden crust that gives the perfect bite. Whether you serve it warm for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon treat with coffee, this apple bread brings comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to make and stays moist for days, making it a must-have in your seasonal baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl

This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl stands out for its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity. The bread is moist and tender thanks to butter, milk, and eggs, while the tart apples add natural sweetness and juicy bites throughout. The rich cinnamon swirl running through the center, along with the crisp sugared top, adds warmth and depth, making each slice indulgent but not too sweet.

It’s also a flexible recipe — you can enjoy it nut-free as intended, or toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option, ideal for breakfast, lunchboxes, holiday brunch tables, or cozy weekend baking.

What You’ll Need: Key Ingredients & Their Role

• Tart Baking Apples: Provide bright acidity and juicy texture
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base, giving the loaf structure
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise to a fluffy crumb
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the cinnamon
• Light Brown Sugar: Brings warmth and depth to the cinnamon swirl
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers signature spice and fall aroma
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create a rich, tender crumb
• Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and moisture
• Milk: Keeps the loaf soft and fluffy
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor overall

Ingredient Swaps for Flexibility

If you’re short on ingredients or looking to adapt the recipe, here are a few easy swaps to keep your apple cinnamon loaf delicious:

• Apples: Swap Granny Smith for Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for slightly sweeter bites.
• Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
• Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk to make it lactose-free.
• Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar will intensify the molasses notes in the swirl.
• Add-ins: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or raisins for added sweetness.

How to Make Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl

1. Preheat and Prep
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Line with a parchment sling and spray again.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
   Combine light brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
3. Beat Eggs and Sugar
   In a stand mixer, beat eggs and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Butter, Milk, and Vanilla
   Slowly pour in melted butter while mixing on low. Add milk and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
   Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and no dry spots remain.
6. Fold in the Apples
   Use a spatula to gently fold diced apples into the batter.
7. Layer and Swirl
   Pour two-thirds of the batter into the pan. Top with two-thirds of the cinnamon sugar. Add remaining batter, sprinkle remaining sugar mixture, and swirl once each way with a butter knife.
8. Bake
   Bake for 50–55 minutes until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
9. Cool
   Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Lift the bread out with the parchment and cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Serve and Store
    Slice when completely cool. Wrap in foil and store at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Expert Tips for Best Results

• Don’t over-swirl: You want distinct cinnamon ribbons — not a blended batter.
• Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and contrast the sweetness.
• Cool completely: This prevents crumbling and improves texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level to avoid a dense loaf.
• Bake ahead: The flavor deepens and the texture improves overnight.

What to Serve With and Fun Variations

• Serve with: Hot coffee, spiced chai, or warm apple cider
• Top with: A vanilla glaze or sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
• Make it nutty: Add pecans or walnuts for extra texture
• Spice it up: Mix in nutmeg or clove for a bolder fall flavor
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute
• Freeze it: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in toaster or oven

A Cozy Classic You’ll Keep Coming Back To

This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl is more than just a recipe — it’s a nostalgic bite of fall, perfect for lazy mornings or gifting during the holidays. Its soft texture, warm spice, and apple-packed flavor make it a beloved staple in any kitchen. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new seasonal favorite — easy to make, easy to share, and even easier to devour.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a seasonal bake that checks all the boxes — easy to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for gifting or sharing — this Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl is your answer. With a moist, tender crumb, bursts of tart apple, and a rich cinnamon-sugar ribbon, it’s a comforting classic that feels like fall in every bite. Whether served as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this quick bread brings warmth and homemade goodness to any table. Make a loaf for now and freeze one for later — this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: A cozy combination of tart apples and spiced pumpkin, topped with a buttery streusel crumb. These muffins echo the warm spice and fruit-forward flavors of Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl, but in perfectly portioned handheld form.
• Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: Featuring a tender crumb and a rich cinnamon swirl, this sourdough loaf complements the original apple bread with its deep autumn spice notes and tangy fermented flavor.
• Apple Crumble with Brown Butter Pecan Topping: This indulgent dessert brings together baked apples, cinnamon, and a nutty pecan topping — a perfect flavor and texture match for fans of spiced apple baked goods like the Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

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