Pin A moist and tender loaf filled with juicy apple chunks, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a luscious salted caramel glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
I remember baking this loaf for a cozy weekend brunch with friends. Its aroma filled the kitchen and everyone eagerly waited to taste the first slice.
Ingredients
- For the Apple Mixture: 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the Cinnamon Swirl: 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed), 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the Loaf Batter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs (room temperature), 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup whole milk
- For the Salted Caramel Glaze: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Apples:
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl:
- In another bowl, mix brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for the swirl. Set aside.
- Make Loaf Batter:
- Cream softened butter and 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Layer Ingredients:
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Layer half the apple mixture over the batter. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon swirl mixture. Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon swirl.
- Swirl & Bake:
- Gently swirl layers with a butter knife. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Loaf:
- Cool loaf in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Salted Caramel Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until it turns amber, swirling occasionally. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in cream (mixture bubbles). Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
- Finish & Serve:
- Drizzle the cooled loaf with salted caramel glaze before serving.
Pin My family loves sharing this loaf fresh out of the oven, especially on rainy afternoons when the comforting aroma brightens the day.
Required Tools
9x5-inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, hand or stand mixer, saucepan, whisk, parchment paper, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk/dairy, wheat (gluten). May contain tree nuts if added. Always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 10 slices): 285 calories, 11 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Pin This caramel apple loaf is a special treat to impress guests or delight your loved ones. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples offer the best texture and tart flavor for balanced sweetness.
- → Can nuts be added to the loaf?
Yes, fold in toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a nutty contrast to the apple mixture.
- → How to achieve a perfect cinnamon swirl?
Layer the cinnamon sugar mixture between batters and gently swirl with a knife before baking.
- → What's the secret to the salted caramel glaze?
Use quality butter and cream, and stir in flaky sea salt after melting sugar to create a smooth, rich glaze.
- → Can pears substitute apples?
Pears work well as a seasonal alternative, lending a sweet twist and soft texture to the loaf.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Check labels if using nuts for potential allergens.