Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the loaf pan and apple filling
- Preheat oven to 350F and grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with a snug liner for easy release.
- Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of the mixture so the pieces are coated.
Make the cinnamon-brown sugar batter
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract.
- Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together, then add to the batter alternately with the milk just until combined.
Layer, swirl, and bake
- Spread half the batter in the prepared pan, then layer half the apple mixture and half of the remaining cinnamon-sugar over the top.
- Spoon the remaining batter over the apples and repeat the layered topping with the remaining apples and cinnamon-sugar.
- Swirl gently with a knife to create ribboned cinnamon-brown sugar throughout the loaf surface.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and glaze
- Cool the loaf for 15 minutes before glazing so the drizzle doesn’t fully sink in.
- Whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk to make a thick glaze, then drizzle over the warm loaf for a glossy finish.
Notes
For clean slices, let the loaf cool at least 15 minutes, then slice with a serrated knife and wipe between cuts if needed. Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freezing is yes—freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. For a lighter option, use plant-based butter and your milk of choice in the same amounts to keep the crumb tender.
