Description
Sweet notes of cinnamon dance through this homemade apple delight loaf, promising warmth and comfort in each slice. Home bakers will savor the rich blend of spices and tender fruit that make this classic dessert a perfect companion for afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) peeled and diced apples
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) milk
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) granulated sugar for the cinnamon swirl
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl, ensuring a uniform, lump-free mixture that will provide a smooth base for the loaf.
- Butter-Sugar Transformation: Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, airy, and voluminous, creating a rich foundational texture.
- Liquid Integration: Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly, then add whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter achieves a silky, homogeneous consistency.
- Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb. Carefully fold in diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Cinnamon Swirl Creation: Combine additional sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle over the batter. Use a knife to create elegant marbled patterns, adding a delightful cinnamon ribbon to the loaf.
- Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 60-70 minutes, rotating midway through cooking. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
- Cooling and Finishing: Let the loaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing to preserve the loaf’s delicate structure.
Notes
- Prevent Apple Browning: Toss freshly diced apples in a bit of lemon juice to keep them bright and prevent oxidation during mixing.
- Achieve Perfect Moisture: Do not overmix batter to maintain a tender, soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise temperature, as variations can dramatically affect baking results.
- Storage Secret: Wrap cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve moisture and freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg