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Moist Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread with Vanilla Glaze

Close-up of a freshly baked apple bread loaf with a rich cinnamon swirl and white glaze drizzle.
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Bake this easy apple bread for a moist, tender loaf packed with fresh apples and warm spices. The cinnamon swirl adds flavor, and the vanilla glaze provides a sweet finish. This is a perfect quick bread for cozy fall mornings.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 cup finely diced fresh apples
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or whole milk
  • For the Cinnamon Swirl: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • For the Glaze (Optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. Stir in the applesauce (or diced apples) and buttermilk until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  6. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of melted butter until crumbly.
  7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
  8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • If you use fresh apples instead of applesauce, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute apple cider for the milk in the batter or use it in the glaze instead of plain milk.
  • This bread stays moist for days when stored tightly wrapped at room temperature.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/easy-moist-apple-bread-recipe/