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Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

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This lovely apple bread has a generous cinnamon swirl and crisp sugared top.

Slices of cinnamon swirl apple bread.

This cinnamon swirl apple bread will give you all the fall feels. Chock-full of tart apples, it has a generous cinnamon swirl running through the center and a crisp sugared top. Similar to other fall quick breads, like pumpkin bread or cranberry nut bread, it’s easy to throw together – and it’s really just a cake baked in a loaf pan.

My kids claim I ruin everything with nuts, so I’ve intentionally left this apple bread nut-free, but I think a handful of walnuts or pecans would be delicious mixed into the batter. Be sure to wait until the bread is completely cool before slicing; you can even let it cool overnight, as it keeps moist for days. Thank you to Caitlyn over at Erhardts Eat for the recipe inspiration!

What You’ll Need To Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

apple bread ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.

Cinnamon and brown sugar mixture in a small bowl.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, combine the eggs and granulated sugar.

eggs and sugar in mixing bowl

Beat the eggs and sugar on medium speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes.

eggs and sugar after beating

With the mixer on low, gradually add the melted butter followed by the milk and vanilla, and mix just until evenly combined.

eggs, sugar, butter, and milk mixture

Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the batter.

adding dry ingredients to batter

Mix on low speed until evenly combined.

apple bread batter

Add the apples to the batter.

adding apples to apple bread batter

Fold with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated.

apple bread batter

Line the long side of the pan with a parchment paper “sling” and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray again. Spoon about 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan.

half of apple bread batter in pan

Sprinkle about 2/3 of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture on top of the batter.

adding brown sugar cinnamon swirl mixture

Spoon the remaining batter over top.

topping with the remaining batter

Sprinkle the batter with the remaining brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.

adding the remaining brown sugar cinnamon mixture

Using a butter knife, swirl the layers by making a zig-zag motion through the batter once in each direction (don’t overdo it!)

swirling the bread

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool on a rack for about 30 minutes.

apple bread cooling on rack

Use the parchment sling to lift the bread out of the pan and onto the rack.

apple bread cooling on rack

Let cool completely before slicing, a few hours or overnight. Store loosely covered with aluminum foil on the countertop.

Slices of cinnamon swirl apple bread.

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Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

This lovely apple bread has a generous cinnamon swirl and crisp sugared top.

Servings: One 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf (8 - 12 slices)
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 55 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup peeled, cored, and finely diced tart baking apples, from 1 apple (preferably Granny Smith)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Spray an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Line the long side of the pan with a parchment paper “sling” and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray again.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. With the mixer on low, gradually add the melted butter followed by the milk and vanilla, and mix just until evenly combined.
  5. Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the batter and mix on low speed until evenly combined.
  6. Add the apples to the batter and fold with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated.
  7. Spoon about ⅔ of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle about ⅔ of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture on top of the batter. Spoon the remaining batter over top, followed by the remaining brown sugar-cinnamon mixture. Using a butter knife, swirl the layers by making a zig-zag motion through the batter once in each direction (don't overdo it!).
  8. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool on a rack for about 30 minutes, then use the parchment sling to lift the bread out of the pan and onto the rack. Let cool completely before slicing, a few hours or overnight. Store loosely covered with aluminum foil on the countertop for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Powered by Edamam

  • Per serving (12 servings)
  • Serving size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 205
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Cholesterol: 52 mg

This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.

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Comments

  • This is an excellent recipe! I also adapted it into muffins by reducing the bake time. An awesome treat for the family!

  • We love apple cakes and have made many over the years. This “bread” is the easiest out of any that I’ve made. Just delicious – nice cinnamon and apple flavor and tender. Disappears quickly and have made this recipe a few times already.

  • Easy to make and is one of my boys favorite breakfast breads.

  • This bread is delicious and comes together easily. Can’t wait to make it again!

  • This is a very good cinnamon/sugar tasting loaf. Next time I will add some dried fruit like cranberries or even apricots. Make sure to swirl the batter in both directions to get the desired effect. The loaf was definitely better the next day once it had a chance to sit. Will be making this loaf again and again.

  • Made this over the fall season. Absolutely fabulous! A big hit with kids and adults!

    • — Rebecca Borgerson
    • Reply
  • I made this bread late at night and left it out on the counter to cool. By the next morning, it had mysteriously disappeared. I made another batch the next evening. There was one piece left the next morning. I think that my family likes it.
    The parchment paper sling is a very good idea. Prevents sticking and lets you easily remove the hot bread for cooling.

    • Made as instructed except I didnt have nonstick spray for parchment paper sling.
      Didnt seem to make a difference! Was able to lift without breaking apart. Moist and simply delicious.

  • This cake was amazing and moist – the family devoured in one day! The fall flavors are delish, will definitely make again.

  • I was looking for “cinnamon-bun-with-apples-but-not” (don’t ask) recipe and I came across this one. Loved it!
    Super easy to make, simple and delicious.
    I did add some nuts in there. I didn’t have walnuts but, I had almonds which I roasted first and then chopped in the mix.
    Will become a weekly thing I’m afraid…

  • This apple bread is easy to make and so delicious. The cinnamon filling and topping puts it over the top plus it looks good too. Great for breakfast or a snack. Another winner from Jenn!

  • I wanted to make this bread and all I had on hand was a Honeycrisp apple. I decided to try it and it was delicious! I can always count on you for the best step-by-step instructions! Thanks for another winner!

  • This bread is absolutely delicious! Seems perfect for a special occasion or an everyday treat.

  • Thanks for the recipe! I loved it but as your kids would say I ruined it with nuts! Lol I couldn’t help myself and added some chopped walnuts.
    I’ve also been thinking about trying this recipe with pears.

  • Two Of my favorite things in one; cinnamon swirl and apples. I like this recipe usually when I make cinnamon swirl bread it comes out dry and unappetizing. This was simple and delicious. I added currants and a dash of rum the second time baked it

  • Had a Granny Smith Apple I needed to use before we headed out for a three day hiking trip. Did a search in your site and found this recipe. And so glad I did.

    Total home run! Used up my lone apple but also provided a great treat to go into our packs for enjoying during our hiking lunch.

    The detailed recipe, ingredient and step by step pictures makes for baking success. Thanks for a great recipe!

  • I made this bread for my husband for a breakfast and they just raved about it that it was requested again.
    All of her recipes are tried and true
    I tell all my friends about her and forward recipes all the time
    She is one of my go to blogger and cookbook author

  • This is so so so delicious! I used a Honeycrisp apple cause that’s what I had on hand and it was great!

  • This was simple and delicious. A great item to go with coffee or a dessert!

  • This bread is delicious and makes a nice change from banana bread .
    Simple to make.My family loves all your recipes !

    • — Renee from Quebec
    • Reply
  • I love this apple bread! I’ve made it multiple times since fall and the three of us will eat the entire loaf in a day. It’s so delicious with the swirl mixture in the middle and the crumble on top. I usually add an additional apple because I like more fruit but this bread is so delicious.

  • This is one of my favorite apple recipes. The loaf is very moist and easy to assemble. Great for afternoon tea and coffee as well as breakfast or brunch. Definitely, one of my favorites!

    • — Lillian Melnyk
    • Reply
  • Love this recipe I’ve made a dozen loaves so far!
    I’ve followed the recipe down to letter and it’s perfect.
    I’ve also done modification so the vegans in the family could share in the goodies! Apple sauce in place of eggs, plant base butter for dairy butter and oat milk for regular milk. It turns out a bit more dense but still absolutely delicious!!!
    I’ve shared this recipe with my whole family!

  • This is one of my favorite breads! It is scrumptious—I love nuts, cinnamon and apples. It is a perfect combo. The cake was moist and not hard to make. I don’t know that the swirling with a knife added much and was hard to execute. I’ve made this twice and given it as gifts.

    • — Trinidad Madrigal
    • Reply
  • This bread is so delicious and really brings me joy in so many ways! I like to savour it with tea in the afternoon but I also love to bake and give to my family and friends and spread the joy around. I get so many compliments – all which belong to Jenn for including it here.
    Thank you for all your One Upon A Chef outstanding recipes Jenn!

  • Love this apple bread. My husband has a sweet tooth and his always grazing the cupbords. This hits the spot. The combination of cinnamon and apple is very satisfying and hits the spot. My adults kids love it also. It only last one day but is very easy to make.

  • Everyone loved it! such a good cake to make during fall!

  • AMAZING! I wish I could tell you that I’ve found one recipe that I didn’t like. This is delicious! Jenn’s recipes are outstanding. If you’re a new cook or a seasoned one, there’s something here for you.

  • So simple to make and so delicious! Every time I make it I get rave reviews. A quick, delicious recipe to be enjoyed with or without the crumble on it’s own or with a dollop of whipped!

  • Loved this recipe; very easy to make; appreciate the step by step instructions as well as the actual recipe below them to print out. Thank You!

    • — kathleen blake
    • Reply
  • Loved the recipe, was great for weekend breakfast with coffee.

    • — Barbara Valenzuela
    • Reply
  • Deliciously moist and flavorful cake! The brown sugar cinnamon flavor and flighty crunchy top leaves you wanting another piece of this heavenly cake. Tastes even better the second day. It’s a perfect cake for brunch. Just add a cup of coffee and hope you have enough willpower to resist another piece! Easy to make.

    • — Elaine Spielberg
    • Reply
  • I LOVE anything apple baked so I was looking for a receipe that included apples. Wow! Delicious, easy and comforting. My family loved it so much that I decided to bake some for my neighbors – in between remote work time of course! – and everyone loved it. Will definitely make again. Thank you for all of the great recipes!

  • I love having a variety of loaf breads in my freezer for unexpected drop in company and the occasional sweet tooth indulgence at night. This cinnamon swirl apple bread is one of the best I’ve ever made! It’s moist and delicious! I did add chopped walnuts and didn’t use all of the sugar cinnamon because I chose not to top the loaf with the mixture. Using the parchment paper was brilliant for clean up and will now use that trick for all future loaf baking.

    An easy recipe with excellent results!

  • Delicious! My teenagers ate the entire loaf in one day, so I guess I need to make it again… I added more cinnamon and some cardamom and might try with pecans next.

  • This apple cinnamon bread is now a family favorite. I made this before Thanksgiving, then made more as gifts for Christmas, then made more just for us!! It has received raves from family and friends! The apple gives the bread the perfect moistness and the cinnamon makes the entire kitchen smell so good. It’s a great breakfast or dessert bread all year long.

  • I knew I needed to make this as soon as I saw it on your weekly email and it did not disappoint. I made it multiple times this fall and it disappeared in less than a day.

  • I made this cake last week and it was well received by the six ladies who were present. It was the perfect cake to serve with coffee. Not too sweet yet delicious! Just love the cinnamon with a granny smith apple surrounded by cake!

  • This apple loaf is the bomb. I add an extra apple because that’s how my family likes it, but it’s not even necessary. Thanks Jen for another winner!

  • Another Jenn winner! This came together easily, and I followed the recipe exactly. I did use my stand mixer instead of the hand held. The step that took me the longest was apple chopping, which could have been done in advance. Using the recommended loaf pan size, this comes right up to the very top… I was a bit nervous about overflow, bur all was well. Lovely presentation, the aromas filled the house with beckoning warmth, and the end result of taste and tender crumb hit a home run. Perfect size for small families or as a gift. Or, just make two.

    • — Carol B. Halla
    • Reply
  • Absolutely delicious! I made it and gave it to some friends, and they all wanted the recipe!

  • This is delish!! I made it just before Christmas & have made it several times since. It’s like a moist apple cinnamon bun in loaf form………yummy!!

    • — Jillian Macmillan
    • Reply
  • This is my husband’s favorite! I have to make it once a week. He says it’s the ‘best bread/cake in the world’. Jenn, your recipes never disappoint. Thanks.

    • — Patty from Darine
    • Reply
  • VERY nice. Great with tea in the afternoon. A keeper for sure.

  • This has quickly become a family favorite since I discovered it last year. I’ve tried different kinds of apples but find Granny Smiths deliver the best results. My grandchildren start clamoring for some as soon as I bring it through the door!

    • — Sheila Lady Sullivan
    • Reply
  • Made this recipe twice now and we absolutely loved it. Wonderful flavor and texture. Highly recommend. Thanks Jenn for another great recipe!!

  • probably the best apple cake that I’ve made! Big hit with the family and it comes out just like the photo! Another awesome Jenn recipe.
    5 ⭐️

  • Hi Jen, APPLES! APPLES! APPLES! – That is my cry each October and November when our apple trees produce more apples than anyone could possibly eat. Besides your your fantastic Rustic Apple Tart, French Apple Cake, Best Apple Pie, and your applesauce, this is a winner! winner! It is easy, so moist and just delicious. Thank you

    • — Carolyn Rassias
    • Reply
  • Made this a few days ago, followed the recipe exactly, and it was delicious. Moist and the brown sugar mixture adds such flavor. Definitely another keeper for my Once Upon a Chef stash! Love recipes for cakes, breads and bars baked in smaller pans, since there are only two of us…believe me, the bread lasted for about 3 days …perfect for snacking!

  • Absolutely loved this recipe and all your recipes! My family loves this bread, it barely lasted the day and I’ve made it twice since!

  • Hi Jenn,
    I am a huge fan! Every recipe I make of yours is a hit!! Just review your sausage and orchiette pasta last week, 5 star!
    That being said, I have made this cinnamon swirl apple bread several times now, my family loves it! It is a keeper with us! I own your cookbook, bought it when it first came out, is there another on the way?
    Thanks for the great recipes!
    Mary C.

    • So glad you like the recipes! Thanks for inquiring – I do have another cookbook coming out in October — stay tuned! 🙂

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