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Amazing Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread in 55 Minutes

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Author: Sarah
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Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread - myfullcook

Is there anything cozier than the smell of cinnamon and apples baking together? Every fall, I swear I make this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread at least half a dozen times—it’s that good! The sweet-tart apples, warm cinnamon swirl, and tender crumb make it perfect for breakfast with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together—no fancy mixer needed, just a bowl and spoon. Last October, my neighbor actually knocked on the door mid-bake asking what that “heavenly smell” was! That’s when I knew this recipe was special enough to share. The magic happens when juicy shredded apples meet that ribbon of cinnamon sugar running through every slice. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and one loaf is never enough!

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread - myfullcook - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

This isn’t just any apple bread—it’s the kind of recipe that makes people hover around the kitchen waiting for a slice! Here’s why it’s become my go-to:

  • That irresistible swirl – Every bite has pockets of warm cinnamon sugar that melt in your mouth
  • Super moist texture – The shredded apples keep it tender for days (if it lasts that long!)
  • No-fuss prep – One bowl, basic ingredients, and minimal clean-up—my kind of baking
  • Versatile delight – Equally perfect with morning coffee or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream

Seriously, this bread disappears faster than I can make it—just ask my family who “tests” every batch!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to apple cinnamon heaven! Here’s exactly what you’ll need for that perfect swirl:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it for accuracy
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – The sweet base for our batter
  • 1 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda – Our rising dream team
  • ½ tsp salt – Just enough to balance the sweetness
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs
  • 2 large eggs – Room temperature blends better
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – The flavor booster
  • 1 cup shredded apples – About 2 medium Granny Smiths, peeled
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup brown sugar – Our magical swirl mixture

See? Nothing crazy—just simple ingredients that create something extraordinary when combined the right way. Pro tip: shred your apples last minute so they don’t brown!

Equipment You’ll Need

Good news—you probably have everything needed for this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread already in your kitchen! Here’s the shortlist:

  • 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf pan (greased or lined with parchment)
  • 2 mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet ingredients)
  • A trusty whisk (or fork in a pinch!)
  • Rubber spatula (for folding in those apples gently)
  • Butter knife (to create that gorgeous cinnamon swirl)

No fancy stand mixer required—this recipe comes together beautifully with just elbow grease and love. My grandma always said the best tools are clean hands and a happy heart!

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

Ready to fill your kitchen with that magical cinnamon-apple aroma? Let’s bake! This foolproof method gives you that perfect swirl and tender crumb every time.

Preparing the Batter

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you want it nice and hot before the batter goes in! Now grab two bowls:

In the first bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to banish any lumps. In the second bowl, whisk the melted butter (cooled slightly!), eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. It should look like sunshine in a bowl!

Now the fun part—pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. A few lumps are fine! Gently fold in those freshly shredded apples (I use a rubber spatula and pretend I’m tucking them into bed). Overmixing is the enemy of tender bread!

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl

Here’s where the magic happens! Mix your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl—this is your golden ticket to flavor town.

Pour half the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth it out. Now sprinkle about two-thirds of that cinnamon sugar mixture over the top (reserve some for later!). Add the remaining batter, then dust the top with your remaining cinnamon sugar. Grab a butter knife and make zigzag motions through the batter—about 5-6 passes should create beautiful swirls without overmixing.

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread - myfullcook - detail 2

Baking and Cooling

Pop that beauty in the oven for 50-55 minutes. Around the 45-minute mark, start checking—a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Here’s my secret: the bread is done when your kitchen smells like a cinnamon-apple paradise and the top springs back when lightly pressed.

Now the hardest part—waiting! Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. I know it’s tempting, but slicing too early makes it crumble. Give it at least 30 minutes to set—perfect timing to brew some coffee before your first heavenly bite!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

After making this bread more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks to guarantee bakery-worthy results every time:

  • Cold eggs are fine! No need to wait for them to warm up—just whisk them extra well with the melted butter to prevent clumping.
  • Fold, don’t beat the batter once you add flour. A few lumps are better than tough bread from overmixing.
  • The toothpick test lies sometimes—press the top gently too. It should spring back when fully baked.
  • Let it cool completely before slicing if you want clean cuts (but who are we kidding—warm, crumbly slices taste amazing!).

Follow these, and you’ll get that perfect swirl and tender crumb that makes this bread unforgettable!

Serving and Storing Suggestions

Oh, the joy of slicing into this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread while it’s still slightly warm! I always serve the first slice with a generous smear of butter—it melts into those cinnamon swirls for pure bliss. For dessert lovers, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (the contrast of warm bread and cold cream is divine).

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long! For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Just pop a frozen slice in the toaster for instant autumn aromas any morning!

Variations for Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists to keep things exciting! My favorite is adding chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl—the crunch is heavenly. Golden raisins soaked in apple juice make another great addition, or swap half the apples for ripe pears for a floral twist. Feeling decadent? A handful of chocolate chips in the batter turns it into dessert magic!

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this irresistible bread:

Can I use applesauce instead of shredded apples?

You can, but the texture changes! Applesauce makes the bread more dense and cake-like, while shredded apples give those lovely moist pockets. If substituting, use ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce and reduce other liquids slightly. But trust me—the extra 2 minutes shredding fresh apples makes all the difference!

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This usually means either: 1) the batter was overmixed (developing too much gluten), 2) your baking powder/soda is old, or 3) it wasn’t quite baked through. Next time, check your leaveners’ freshness, mix gently, and use the toothpick + spring-back tests together. My oven runs hot, so I often bake mine 5 minutes longer than the recipe states!

Can I make this without eggs?

Absolutely! For an egg-free version, substitute each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water. The bread will be slightly denser but still delicious. My vegan friend swears by the flax version—she says it enhances the earthy apple flavor!

How do I get that perfect swirl without overmixing?

The trick is to layer carefully! Pour half the batter, sprinkle most cinnamon sugar, add remaining batter, then top with remaining sugar. When swirling, make just 5-6 slow zigzags with a thin knife—any more and you’ll lose the defined swirl pattern in the baked bread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf): about 220 calories, 35g carbs, 3g protein, and 8g fat. Remember—nutrition varies slightly based on your specific ingredients and brands used!

Share Your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

Did you bake this cozy cinnamon apple bread? I’d love to see your swirl-tastic creations! Snap a pic and tag @myfullcook—nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen adventures. Leave a star rating below if this recipe earned a spot in your fall baking rotation!

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread - myfullcook - detail 3

For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, check out The Foodie Empire on Pinterest.

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Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread - myfullcook

Amazing Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread in 55 Minutes


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  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious cinnamon swirl apple bread that combines the flavors of sweet apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or dessert.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded apples
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in shredded apples.
  5. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar.
  6. Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then add remaining batter.
  7. Swirl with a knife and bake for 50-55 minutes.
  8. Cool before slicing.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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