Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This will ensure that the bread releases easily after baking while promoting a slightly crispy texture on the edges.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of light brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will coat the apples, enhancing their flavor and ensuring that each bite is infused with a hint of cinnamon sweetness. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks, then toss them in this cinnamon-sugar blend. Set the apples aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 2/3 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This process is essential for incorporating air into the batter, giving the bread a tender crumb.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This adds depth of flavor that beautifully complements the apples and spices.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 3/4 teaspoons of baking powder. Sifting helps remove any lumps and ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar-coated apple chunks evenly over the batter. Gently press the apples down into the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, and then top with the remaining apple mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the apple mixture into the batter slightly. This creates a beautiful marbled effect and ensures the apples are evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Baking times may vary based on your oven and the exact size of your loaf pan. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Be sure to check the bread around the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for preventing the bread from becoming soggy.
- While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream. Stir until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust the amount of milk or cream as needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, allowing it to slightly harden before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving