Ingredients
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- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your loaf, providing structure and texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the loaf’s moistness.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the loaf rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon: Infuses the loaf with a delightful warm and spicy flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture.
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk): Aids in achieving the desired consistency; you can use dairy or non-dairy milk based on your preference.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the loaf’s structure.
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled): Adds moisture, flavor, and texture to the loaf.
For the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon: Enhances the loaf’s flavor profile with its warm and comforting notes.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the loaf bakes evenly. Grease a standard loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed, ensuring there are no lumps. This dry mixture is essential for a uniform rise and texture.
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup milk (or almond milk), and 2 large eggs until they are well combined. The melted butter should be warm but not hot, as this can cook the eggs. This mixture will add moisture and richness to the loaf.
Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just blended, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so stop as soon as there are no dry streaks of flour.
Carefully fold in the 2 cups diced apples. Use a spatula to combine them into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. The apples not only add flavor but also keep the loaf moist and create a delightful texture.
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon to create the swirl mixture. Mix until fully incorporated; this will provide the sweet, spiced ribbon running through the loaf.
Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, distributing it evenly.
Add the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon swirl mixture, smoothing it out. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top layer of batter. This layering technique ensures that the cinnamon flavor is well-distributed throughout the loaf.
Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. This creates the marbled effect characteristic of this loaf. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want to maintain distinct swirls rather than completely mixing the layers.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the loaf set and makes slicing easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 normal portion
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g