Homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Ingredients:

• For the Bread:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup milk
• For the Apple Cinnamon Swirl:
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
   • In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
   • Add the finely diced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat and Prepare the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
3. Make the Bread Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with additions of sour cream (or yogurt) and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Assemble the Loaf:
   • Spoon half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
   • Spread the cooled apple cinnamon filling evenly over the batter in the pan.
   • Spoon the remaining batter over the apple cinnamon filling, spreading it carefully to cover.
5. Swirl the Batter:
   • Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter and apple cinnamon filling together, creating a marbled effect.
6. Bake the Loaf:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Slice and serve the homemade apple cinnamon swirl loaf slightly warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy this delightful homemade apple cinnamon swirl loaf with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat!