Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf – A Slice of Fall in Every Bite 🍁🍎

When the crisp air of autumn rolls in and leaves start to fall, nothing warms the heart quite like the comforting aroma of apple and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Our Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the ultimate fall treat—soft, moist, bursting with warm spices and sweet apple flavor, and perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday brunches, or an indulgent snack with a cup of tea.

This easy-to-make loaf features a rich, buttery base, a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl, and tender bits of apple in every slice. Let’s bake some autumn magic!

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Here’s what you’ll need for one delicious loaf:

For the Cinnamon Swirl

1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Loaf Batter

2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine:

1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Set aside—this will be used to create the sweet, cinnamon ripple inside the loaf.

3. Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together:

2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup softened butter

Mix until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Add:

2 eggs, one at a time
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat until fully incorporated.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with:

1/2 cup milk

Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

5. Fold in the Apples

Gently stir in:

1 medium chopped apple

Make sure the apple pieces are well distributed throughout the batter.

6. Assemble the Loaf

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
Add the remaining batter on top.
Finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar on top.

Using a knife, swirl through the batter once or twice to create a marbled effect.

7. Bake the Loaf

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip: Ovens vary, so start checking at the 45-minute mark.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is perfect served warm or room temperature, and can be enjoyed in many ways:

With a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey
Lightly toasted for breakfast
Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
Paired with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or spiced apple cider

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer shelf life (up to 5–6 days), but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freeze whole or sliced: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To enjoy from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for a few hours.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. 10 slices)

Calories: 220
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 17g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Note: Values are approximate and vary based on specific ingredients used.

Make It Your Own – Easy Variations

Looking to customize your loaf? Try one of these delicious ideas:

Add Nuts

Mix in 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

Maple Glaze

Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup and drizzle on top after baking for a decadent finish.

Use Apple Pie Spice

Swap cinnamon with apple pie spice blend for a deeper fall flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Simple ingredients you already have at home
No mixer required—a whisk and spatula will do
Perfect texture—moist and fluffy with a soft crumb
A warm cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen
Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and ideal for gifting

Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a cozy weekend, or just to celebrate the fall season, this recipe delivers that nostalgic, homemade comfort in every bite.

Final Thoughts

Our Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with baking all over again. It’s easy, comforting, and full of those rich fall flavors we crave once the weather cools down.

Make one loaf… and you’ll find yourself baking another before the week is out.