Prep time: 20 mins | Bake time: 50–60 mins | Yields: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Ingredients
Apple Cinnamon Layer
2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Brown Sugar Swirl
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Bread Batter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole milk
Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prep Apples & Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 1 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for the swirl.
3. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Combine Dry & Wet: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by the milk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
5. Layer the Loaf: Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. Scatter half of the apple mixture over top, followed by half of the brown sugar mixture. Lightly press them into the batter. Pour the remaining batter over top, then layer with the rest of the apples and brown sugar. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the top layers.
6. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoid poking directly into an apple piece).
7. Glaze & Cool: Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together, then drizzle generously over the warm bread before slicing.