Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, irresistible charm of a loaf packed with a sweet and spicy ribbon of cinnamon sugar swirled through it, and that’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread. This beautifully tender bread offers a moist crumb thanks to apple butter and Greek yogurt, while the cinnamon sugar swirl brings a delightful surprise in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for sharing or savoring with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to baking this flavorful bread, and each one brings something special to the table. From the fragrant cinnamon in the dry mix to the creamy texture added by the apple butter and yogurt, these components make this loaf fluffy, moist, and incredibly tasty.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread providing structure and softness.
• Baking powder: Helps the bread rise light and fluffy.
• Baking soda: Reacts with acidic ingredients for tender crumb and lift.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice directly into the batter.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and moisture to the loaf.
• Apple butter: Brings natural sweetness and a soft texture with that luscious apple flavor.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness, making the bread tender.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the bread’s airy texture.
• Vegetable or melted coconut oil: Keeps the loaf moist and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Gives a subtle depth of flavor that rounds out the spices.
• Granulated sugar (for the swirl): Creates a sugary cinnamon ribbon that sweetens each bite.
• Ground cinnamon (for the swirl): Intensifies the warmth and aroma of the cinnamon sugar swirl.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper so the bread comes out easily without sticking or breaking apart. This simple prep ensures your baking goes smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Stir them together until nicely mixed and set it aside. This swirl will create that signature ribbon of sweet spice running through your bread.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and ½ cup packed brown sugar. Whisk these together to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, setting a flavorful foundation.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup apple butter, ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 room-temperature large eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable or melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture not only adds moisture but layers in rich, tangy, and sweet notes.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick but slightly lumpy. Overworking the batter will create a tough bread, and we want tender and soft every time.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar swirl on top. Repeat by adding the remaining batter and then the rest of the swirl mix. Using a knife, gently swirl the mixture once or twice to create those beautiful cinnamon sugar ribbons without fully blending them in.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread

Garnishes

Serving this bread with a light spread of butter or honey highlights its moist texture and warm sweetness. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon on top before slicing. If you love nuts, chopped toasted walnuts or pecans make a delightful garnish that adds a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with hot drinks like a chai latte, creamy cappuccino, or your favorite tea blend enhanced with cinnamon sticks. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad to balance sweetness with savory. Even a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this bread into a delightful dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread thick and toasting it for a crunchy, warm snack. You can also cube the bread and use it in bread pudding recipes, mixing it with custard and spices for a decadent dessert. Another fun idea is making mini muffin versions of the recipe—perfect for sharing or gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to three days. For best texture, enjoy the slices within this time before it starts to dry out.

Freezing

To enjoy Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread longer, slice it and freeze individual pieces in a zip-top freezer bag. When sealed well, it can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw slices at room temperature or pop them directly into the toaster for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them for a crisp edge with a soft center. Adding a pat of butter when reheating amps up that comforting flavor and makes each bite feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt or sour cream?

You can, but Greek yogurt or sour cream is preferred because of their thicker consistency, which helps keep the bread moist and tender. Regular yogurt may make the batter runnier, so swap it only if you’re in a pinch.

Is it possible to make this bread vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Also, choose coconut oil or another plant-based oil, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of the Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the recipe?

Yes! Adding about ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch, while diced apples or raisins add bursts of sweetness and texture. Fold these in with the wet ingredients to spread them evenly through the loaf.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If batter sticks to it, give your bread a few more minutes and test again.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups and bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes. Muffins make perfectly portioned treats that are super portable and just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—your new go-to recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread, a loaf that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Each bite brings together the warmth of cinnamon, the sweet apple undertones, and that magical swirl that makes this bread unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for family brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because you need a little lift, this bread is sure to bring a smile. Give it a try and don’t forget to share the joy—because good bread is best when it’s shared with good friends.

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