Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread is a cozy, fall-inspired quick bread that’s sweet, tender, and full of flavor. Swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a buttery oat streusel, each slice is packed with warm spices and bits of juicy apple. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this loaf delivers comforting homemade goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic apple-cinnamon combos, this bread will be an instant favorite. It’s made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and applesauce, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and is easy to make with simple steps. The cinnamon swirl adds a sweet surprise in every bite, and the streusel topping gives it a delicious bakery-style finish. Plus, it’s a great way to use up apples in the fall—or any time of year!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Streusel Topping:

• 2 tablespoons softened butter

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 1/2 tablespoons whole wheat white flour

• 3 tablespoons rolled oats

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups 1:1 gluten-free baking flour or whole wheat white flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup applesauce

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, vanilla, or apple cinnamon)

• 1/4 cup oil (avocado oil or melted coconut oil)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup diced apple (about 1 small to medium apple)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, make the cinnamon swirl by combining cinnamon and brown sugar. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, make the streusel topping by mixing butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon with your fingertips until crumbly. Set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, and coconut or brown sugar.

6. Add the egg, Greek yogurt, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

7. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Once nearly combined, fold in the diced apples.

8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top.

9. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the batter once in each direction to create a cinnamon swirl.

10. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top and press it in lightly.

11. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with little to no crumbs.

12. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, optionally topped with butter, peanut butter, or a simple glaze.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 slices.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add Nuts: Stir in 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.

• No Streusel: Skip the streusel for a simpler loaf.

• Glaze It: Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze (1/4 cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tsp water or milk).

• Applesauce Swap: Replace with mashed bananas or pumpkin purée for seasonal variations.

• Spice It Up: Add ground ginger or cloves for more spice complexity.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze sliced or whole loaf (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the toaster oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used instead of gluten-free or whole wheat flour.

What type of apples work best?

Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and a plant-based butter alternative for the streusel.

Is this bread overly sweet?

No, it’s naturally sweetened and balanced. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the maple syrup or sugar if preferred.

Can I use apple butter instead of applesauce?

Yes, but reduce the added sugar slightly since apple butter is sweeter.

Can I skip the swirl and just mix everything?

Yes, but you’ll miss that beautiful layered look and burst of cinnamon in the center.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s optional if you prefer to keep the skins.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats will work fine in the streusel topping.

Can I make muffins with this batter?

Yes, bake in a muffin tin for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use two loaf pans. Adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread is a delightful blend of warm spices, tender apples, and a sweet swirl that makes every bite cozy and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or just as a snack with coffee or tea, this homemade loaf brings seasonal flavors together in the most satisfying way. Make it once, and you’ll be baking it on repeat all year long.

Print