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Cozy Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Glaze

cinnamon swirl apple bread - featured image
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A warm, comforting apple bread with a cinnamon sugar swirl and a tangy cream cheese glaze, perfect for cozy occasions and last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar swirl)
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar swirl)
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth.
  6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  7. Fold in the finely chopped apples evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon for the swirl.
  9. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
  10. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
  11. Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter in a gentle figure-eight pattern.
  12. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if browning too fast.
  13. Cool the bread in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a rack.
  14. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whisk in milk or cream to desired drizzle consistency.
  15. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the cooled bread. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use fresh ground cinnamon for best flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it tender. Finely chop apples to prevent soggy pockets. Grease pan well or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt. Swirl cinnamon sugar gently to maintain the ribbon effect. Optional: add chopped walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon swirl apple bread, cream cheese glaze, cozy bread, apple bread recipe, easy apple bread, cinnamon bread, quick bread

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