If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy kitchen project, Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread is about to become your new best friend. This recipe offers everything you could ever want from a fall-inspired treat: tender, buttery bread; soft, juicy bites of apple; and a gorgeous swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon that bakes into gooey ribbons in every slice. With a simple glaze on top, this loaf brings together the warmth of freshly baked bread and the irresistible aromas of apple pie, making it a star at breakfast, snack-time, or whenever friends pop by for coffee.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each component has a simple, delicious role that’s about to make your kitchen smell like an autumn wonderland!

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your loaf, giving it just the right structure and softness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances all those lovely apple and spice flavors.
Baking powder: Ensures your bread rises tall and light, never dense or heavy.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out the natural sweetness and keeps everything in harmony.
Milk: Adds richness and moisture for a perfectly tender crumb.
Egg: Binds the ingredients, helping the bread hold together for perfect slicing.
Butter, melted: Gives your loaf softness, flavor, and that classic homemade feel.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this brings warm, aromatic notes that amp up the comforting vibe.
Apple, peeled & diced: Fresh apple pieces melt into sweet, juicy pockets in every slice.
Brown sugar: This is key for the swirl — brown sugar melts into sticky, caramelized layers with every bite.
Cinnamon: The spice that turns this bread into a hug on a plate! Don’t skimp.
Powdered sugar: Whisked with milk to create a dreamy glaze for drizzling.
Milk (for glaze): Just a few drops to bring the powdered sugar to a pourable consistency.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan well — this little step ensures your Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread pops out effortlessly when it’s golden and baked to perfection. A quick swipe of butter or nonstick spray works great here.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it all a good toss to combine, breaking up any lumps so your bread bakes up smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended. This mixture should look creamy and inviting — you’re building both flavor and texture here!

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until you don’t see dry flour — don’t overmix! The batter should be slightly lumpy but well combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. These two ingredients mingle to create those classic swirls and bursts of flavor throughout your Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

Step 6: Layer the Batter, Apples, and Swirl

Pour half the bread batter into your greased pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half of the diced apples and half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar for a beautiful layered effect. Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter if you like extra marbling.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Slide your loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The bread should rise beautifully, with the top turning golden brown and your kitchen smelling downright magical. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let your Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2–3 teaspoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the cooled bread, letting it trickle into the swirls and crevices.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Garnishes

A finishing touch can turn your Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread from comforting to downright irresistible. Try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top, a small handful of toasted chopped nuts for crunch, or a few thin apple slices arranged on the glaze for an elegant flourish.

Side Dishes

This bread is dreamy alongside your morning coffee or tea, but it also works perfectly with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with fresh fruit, like sliced pears or berries, for a brunch-worthy plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special breakfast spread, slice the Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread thickly and toast it gently for a bit of crunch. Stack the slices on a wooden board and serve with bowls of honey, whipped butter, or cream cheese. This bread also makes a gorgeous edible gift — wrap the loaf in parchment, tie with a ribbon, and deliver some homemade happiness to a friend or neighbor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, wrap your Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight — perfect for next-day snacking!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole loaf. Wrap tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out a piece whenever a craving hits, and your Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread will taste fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a slice in the toaster or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes. The bread softens beautifully and those cinnamon notes will waft through your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! Any crisp, slightly tart apple works beautifully. Granny Smith adds a tangy punch, while Honeycrisp or Fuji make the bread extra sweet and juicy. Mix and match if you like!

Is it okay to use plant-based milk and butter?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and vegan butter for the standard versions. This keeps the texture moist and tender, and the flavor still shines with the apples and cinnamon.

Should I peel the apple before adding it to the bread?

Peeling the apple is recommended to keep the texture silky in every bite, but if you love a rustic feel and a bit of extra fiber, you can leave the peel on. Just be sure to dice it small.

My glaze is too thick! How can I fix it?

No worries — simply add a tiny splash of milk, about 1/2 teaspoon at a time, and stir until your glaze is pourable and dreamy. If you go too thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar until it’s just right.

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread ahead of time for brunch?

Yes! Bake the bread the night before, let it cool, and wait to glaze until the morning. The flavors meld overnight, making it absolutely ideal for slicing and serving to friends and family.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something wonderfully nostalgic and full of autumn magic, you truly can’t go wrong with homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread. Give it a try — you might just find yourself baking loaf after loaf, sharing the love with everyone you know!

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe