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Apple Cinnamon Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 97 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Loaf is a warm, fragrant, and cozy baked treat, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and studded with juicy diced apples. With a tender crumb and a sweet cinnamon sugar crust, it’s an irresistible loaf that’s ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. The recipe is straightforward, uses simple pantry ingredients, and offers a variety of delicious add-in options to customize it to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Loaf

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 2 medium apples (about 2 cups/250g), peeled, cored, and diced small

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Gather all your ingredients before you begin to ensure a smooth process.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until evenly combined, ensuring the spices are well-distributed.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon just until combined; do not overmix to avoid a dense loaf.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Add Topping and Bake: Mix the cinnamon and sugar together for the topping and sprinkle it evenly over the batter in the loaf pan. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Ensure the apples are chopped small to cook evenly and deliver consistent apple flavor in every bite.
  • Do not overmix the batter; mixing until just combined keeps the loaf tender and light.
  • Let the loaf cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before removing, then cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to prevent crumbling.
  • For easy loaf removal, line the pan with parchment paper that extends over the edges.
  • Variations include adding nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or using a streusel or caramel topping to customize the loaf.
  • Swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat adds fiber but may produce a denser texture.
  • Reducing sugar or substituting part of the butter with applesauce can make a lighter, lower-fat version.

Keywords: Apple Cinnamon Loaf, Apple Bread, Cinnamon Loaf, Fall Baking, Quick Bread, Sweet Loaf

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/apple-cinnamon-loaf-recipe/