Pioneer Woman Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Pioneer Woman Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is made with juicy Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of walnuts for added crunch.

This easy and delicious loaf recipe creates a cozy, flavorful dessert or breakfast treat that takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to prepare and serves up to 10 people.

Ingredients Needed:

• Salted butter (for greasing the pan)
• 1 3/4 c. plus 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour (plus extra for the pan)
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 whole Granny Smith apple (for garnish)
• 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 c. vegetable oil
• 1/2 c. buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 c. walnuts
• 2 Tbsp. apricot jam

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Butter and flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the apple chunks with cinnamon, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 3/4 cup sugar, 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the apple mixture (including any juice) and the walnuts.
5. Add Apple Garnish: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Cut the remaining apples into 1/8-inch thick slices and shingle them across the top of the loaf, gently pressing them into the batter.
6. Bake the Loaf: Bake the loaf for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool further.
7. Glaze with Jam: Heat the apricot jam in the microwave to loosen it, then brush it over the warm loaf. Allow the loaf to cool completely before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined to avoid a tough loaf.
• Use Firm Apples: Granny Smith apples hold up well when baking and won’t get mushy in the loaf.
• Ensure Even Baking: If the top is browning too quickly but the center is still undercooked, cover the loaf loosely with foil in the last 15 minutes.
• Slice Apples Evenly: The apple garnish should be thin and uniform to ensure even baking on top of the loaf.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the loaf is done.

How To Store Leftovers

Store the apple cinnamon swirl loaf in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, place the loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 471
• Total Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg
• Sodium: 403 mg
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Dietary Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 35 g
• Protein: 6 g

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Cinnamon Apples
• Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
• Cinnamon Bread