Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, mouthwatering treat that feels like a warm hug in bread form, then you’re in the right place! This Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s packed with tender chunks of Honeycrisp apples, creamy swirls of tangy cream cheese, and a sweet cinnamon sugar ripple that will have you sneaking slices all day long. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to when you want something special but still super comforting.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe calls for a lovely balance of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. The secret lies in picking the right apples and a good-quality apple butter—you’ll notice a big difference in flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: For the cinnamon sugar swirl—simple and classic.
• Cinnamon: This adds that warm spice punch we crave in autumn baking.
• Coconut Oil: I like this because it adds moisture but can be substituted with butter if preferred.
• Apple Butter: Look for natural, high-quality apple butter for the richest flavor.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds tang and moisture, keeping the bread soft and tender.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor booster that brightens the whole loaf.
• Honey: Sweetens gently and adds depth with its floral notes.
• Milk: Helps create the perfect batter consistency.
• All-Purpose or Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: I sometimes use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and lighter texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise tenderly.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Honeycrisp Apples: These apples stay firm during baking and have a lovely tart-sweet flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy swirling throughout the batter.
• Salted Butter: This is for the honey butter topping — a perfect finish to the bread.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe—it’s flexible and receptive to a few creative tweaks. Feel free to make it your own!

• Add Nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch; my family absolutely goes crazy for it!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mix to deepen the fall spice vibe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the yogurt and cream cheese for coconut or almond-based alternatives. Just make sure they’re thick enough to maintain the bread’s texture.
• Fruit Swap: I’ve tried diced pears instead of apples—equally yummy and a fun seasonal change.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First thing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This bread loves a steady, moderate temperature. Grease a 9×5-inch bread pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when the bread slips right out after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mix

In a small bowl, sift together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will be your beautiful swirl throughout the bread, so give it a little stir to break up any clumps and set it aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, apple butter, honey, yogurt (or sour cream), egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir gently but well—no need for a mixer here, a wooden spoon or spatula works perfectly. Then, add the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix until just combined; a few lumps in the batter are fine. Overmixing could make your bread tough, and I’ve learned that the hard way!

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Now, dollop teaspoon-sized bits of softened cream cheese over the batter. Take a sharp paring knife and gently swirl it through the batter, creating those beautiful cream cheese ribbons.

Next, scatter the chopped Honeycrisp apples in an even layer over the cream cheese. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over the apples, then spoon the remaining batter on top. It’s okay if the batter doesn’t completely cover the apples—you want those apples peeking through. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Bake for about 55-65 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). I learned to cover the bread loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning—a little trick that saves lots of stress!

Step 6: Make Honey Butter Topping

While the bread cools, mix the softened salted butter with honey and a pinch of salt until smooth. This sweet butter spread is my favorite accompaniment—spread it warm on a slice, and you’ve got elevated comfort food.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool a bit so the slices hold together nicely, but don’t wait too long—I’ll admit I love it warm with that honey butter melting on top. Grab your favorite mug of tea or coffee and savor every indulgent bite.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love to add a little extra crunchy texture by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the honey butter spread. A light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of caramel sauce amps up the indulgence if you’re serving it for guests.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or warm chai tea. For a brunch spread, I like to serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the bread thick and stack it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and a bowl of honey butter. It’s charming, inviting, and makes your guests feel right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist without getting soggy. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

This bread freezes well! I slice it first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap followed by a freezer bag. That way, I can pull out just what I need and toast it up fresh. Frozen slices last about 2 months.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat slices is in a toaster oven—this crisps the edges and warms the bread evenly. You can also microwave a slice for about 20 seconds if you’re in a hurry, then slap on some honey butter for extra yum.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe turns out—there’s just something about the cozy spices, tender apples, and creamy swirls that makes it so comforting. When I first tried this recipe, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my family went crazy for it, and now it’s a staple in our kitchen every fall. If you want to impress your friends with something that tastes indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, this bread is it. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and remember: it’s okay to sneak extra slices with that honey butter—you deserve it!

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