Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preheat and prep the pan
- Preheat the oven to 350F, then grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment if desired.
Make the cinnamon apple mixture
- Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of the mixture so the pieces coat evenly.
Mix the batter
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine dry and wet ingredients
- Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together, then add to the batter alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated.
Layer and swirl
- Spread half the batter in the loaf pan, top with half the apples and half the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture, then repeat the layers.
Swirl for the fritter effect
- Swirl gently with a knife to create cinnamon streaks through the layers, keeping the swirl light so the loaf stays cohesive.
Bake
- Bake at 350F for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Glaze and serve
- Cool the loaf for 15 minutes before glazing to help the drizzle set without running off.
- Whisk powdered sugar with enough milk to make a thick glaze, then drizzle over the warm loaf.
Notes
Pro tip: reserve some cinnamon-brown sugar for the middle layer so you get distinct swirls in every slice. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; rewarm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Freezing is yes—wrap cooled slices and freeze up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge. For a lighter option, use plant-based butter and swap the milk in the glaze for unsweetened almond milk (texture stays close).
