Apple Cinnamon Delight Loaf Recipe

Quick & Tasty Apple Cinnamon Delight Loaf Recipe for Fall Mornings

Sweet apple cinnamon delight loaf beckons with its warm, inviting aroma that changes ordinary baking into a sensory experience.

Memories of cozy kitchens and comforting treats flood your senses when this fragrant bread emerges from the oven.

Layers of spice and fruit intertwine, creating a harmonious blend that speaks to traditional home cooking with a modern twist.

Robust cinnamon notes dance against soft, tender crumb, promising a delectable journey for anyone craving something nostalgic yet extraordinary.

Seasonal ingredients merge seamlessly, elevating this simple recipe from basic to remarkable.

Rustic and elegant, the loaf represents more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Apple Cinnamon Loaf: A Cozy Treat

  • Swirl and Savor Delight: The marbled cinnamon sugar swirl creates a stunning visual and flavor contrast that makes each slice unique and exciting.
  • Comfort in Every Bite: Packed with soft, tender chunks of apple and warm cinnamon, this loaf delivers pure homemade comfort that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Foolproof Baking Experience: The simple mixing method and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring success even for novice home cooks.

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and base for the loaf's texture.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent to help the loaf rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter (Softened): Adds rich moisture and creates tender crumb in the loaf.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create golden caramelized exterior.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the loaf's structure.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth batter consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, deep flavor background.
Fruit and Spice Ingredients:
  • Apples (Diced): Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and juicy texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple flavor and adds aromatic depth.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set the dry mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a separate large bowl, whip softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results.

Step 4: Introduce Liquid Elements

Add eggs one at a time, fully mixing after each addition. Pour in milk and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the loaf tough.

Step 6: Enhance with Apples and Cinnamon Swirl

Gently fold diced apples into the batter. In a small bowl, combine:
  • Extra granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle this mixture over the batter and create beautiful swirls using a knife or spatula.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Apple Cinnamon Loaf

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve a light, fluffy texture that blends seamlessly with sugars.
  • Dice Apples Uniformly: Cut apples into consistent, small cubes to ensure even distribution and prevent soggy spots in the loaf.
  • Prevent Flour Lumps: Sift dry ingredients together to eliminate clumps and create a smoother, more consistent batter.
  • Swirl Technique Mastery: Use a gentle figure-eight motion with a knife when creating the cinnamon swirl to achieve beautiful, distinct marbling without overmixing.
  • Moisture-Locking Trick: Wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap immediately after completely cooling to lock in moisture and keep the cake tender for days.

Storing and Reheating Apple Cinnamon Loaf

  • Store Leftovers: Wrap the cooled Apple Cinnamon Delight Loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Freeze for Later: Slice the loaf before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen loaf will keep perfectly for 2-3 months without losing its delightful texture.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or briefly toast in a toaster oven to restore that fresh-baked warmth and crisp edges.

Pairing Apple Cinnamon Loaf with Coffee

  • Pair with Creamy Chai Latte: Complement the warm cinnamon notes by serving the Apple Cinnamon Delight Loaf alongside a rich, spicy chai latte. The blend of cardamom, ginger, and creamy milk creates a harmonious flavor explosion that enhances the loaf's sweet apple undertones.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top a warm slice with a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced loaf, creating a delightful temperature and flavor balance that melts in your mouth.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Drizzle Cappuccino: Elevate the loaf with a cappuccino topped with a luxurious caramel drizzle. The coffee's robust flavor and sweet caramel complement the apple and cinnamon, turning a simple slice into a gourmet treat that feels like a special indulgence.
  • Serve with Maple Pecan Butter: Spread a generous layer of maple pecan butter on each slice. The nutty, sweet spread adds depth and richness, bringing out the warmth of the cinnamon and the freshness of the apples in an irresistible combination.

Apple Cinnamon Loaf: Fun Variations

  • Nutty Apple Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and a rich, earthy flavor that complements the sweet apples and warm cinnamon.
  • Caramel Drizzle Loaf: Prepare a quick caramel sauce and drizzle it over the cooled loaf, creating a luxurious glaze that enhances the apple and cinnamon notes.
  • Streusel-Topped Version: Sprinkle a buttery crumb topping made with flour, brown sugar, and cold butter over the batter before baking, giving the loaf a crispy, sweet crust.
  • Spiced Glaze Option: Whip up a simple glaze using powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and a pinch of cinnamon to pour over the completely cooled loaf for an extra layer of sweetness.
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Apple Cinnamon Delight Loaf Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Delight Loaf Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm, spiced Apple Cinnamon Delight Loaf brings comfort from first bite. Fragrant notes of cinnamon and sweet apples create a perfect companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea, inviting friends and family to savor each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) peeled and diced apples
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) granulated sugar for the cinnamon swirl

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coating a 9×5-inch (23×13 centimeters) loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain and ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.
  4. Crack eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous blend. Pour in whole milk and pure vanilla extract, mixing until completely integrated.
  5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the loaf’s tender texture.
  6. Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  7. Create a cinnamon swirl by mixing additional granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter and use a knife to create elegant marbled patterns.
  8. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or thin knife into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, which helps it set and prevents breaking when removing.
  11. Carefully turn out the loaf onto a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely for approximately 1 hour before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

  • Softened butter ensures a smoother, more even mixing of ingredients, creating a tender and moist loaf texture.
  • Dice apples uniformly to guarantee consistent baking and prevent some pieces from becoming too soft or undercooked.
  • Swirling cinnamon sugar creates beautiful marbling effects and adds delightful pockets of sweet, spicy flavor throughout the loaf.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better integration and to prevent the batter from becoming lumpy or separating.
  • Cool the loaf completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center, which should come out clean without wet batter clinging to it.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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