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Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf with Easy Homemade Caramel Glaze

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This cozy apple cinnamon swirl loaf is packed with juicy apples, a gooey cinnamon sugar swirl, and finished with a luscious caramel glaze. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (for swirl)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for swirl)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for swirl)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  5. Mix in yogurt and milk until just combined.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  7. Gently fold in diced apples.
  8. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the swirl.
  9. Spread half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Add remaining batter and top with the rest of the swirl mixture. Swirl gently with a butter knife.
  10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  11. Cool loaf in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  12. For the caramel glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and milk, stirring constantly until bubbling (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt. Cool 5 minutes to thicken.
  13. Drizzle caramel glaze over cooled loaf. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use firm apples for best texture. For gluten-free, substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour and add an extra egg. Vegan swaps: use plant-based yogurt, milk, and butter, and flax eggs. Add nuts for crunch or swap apples for peaches or pears. Drizzle glaze while loaf is slightly warm for best absorption. Store leftovers airtight at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon loaf, caramel glaze, easy apple bread, fall baking, cinnamon swirl bread, homemade loaf, brunch recipe, comfort food, apple dessert, quick bread

Find it online: https://avabake.com/apple-cinnamon-swirl-loaf-recipe-easy-homemade-caramel-glaze/