Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe

Let me tell you, this Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe quickly became one of my go-to treats whenever I craved something cozy and a little indulgent. I absolutely love how the cinnamon sugar swirls mingle with juicy chunks of Honeycrisp apples and smooth cream cheese, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy warmth. It’s just the right kind of bread to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully for fall gatherings or weekend brunches, and honestly, it’s such a crowd-pleaser that my family goes crazy for it. What makes this Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe worth trying is how easy it is to throw together — with ingredients you probably already have — and how it fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe blend together to bring warm, cozy flavors and moist texture. You’ll want to use fresh Honeycrisp apples for their crisp sweetness, and don’t skip the cream cheese swirl—it really makes this bread stand out.

• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and combines with cinnamon perfectly for that classic swirl.
• Cinnamon: Fresh ground if possible, it elevates the warmth and spice level beautifully.
• Coconut oil: I love the subtle richness it imparts, but you can use melted butter if you prefer.
• Apple butter: This ingredient brings concentrated apple flavor and moistness to the bread.
• Yogurt or sour cream: Adds tangy moisture and tenderness — I typically use plain yogurt for a lighter touch.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything and adds structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a sweet aroma.
• Honey: A lovely natural sweetener that complements the apples and cinnamon.
• Milk: Keeps the batter nice and smooth; whole or 2% works well.
• All-purpose or whole wheat pastry flour: I like whole wheat pastry for a bit more nutrition and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps this bread rise just right.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Honeycrisp apples: Chopped into small pieces, they add juicy bursts of sweetness.
• Cream cheese: At room temperature for easy swirling, it adds rich creaminess inside the bread.
• Salted butter (for honey butter): To spread warm, melty honey butter atop the finished loaf.
• Honey (for honey butter): I love this sweet topping on every slice for an extra touch of indulgence.

Variations

One thing I love about this Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you enjoy adding nuts for texture or swapping yogurt for sour cream based on what you have, personalization really shines here.

• Nut lover’s twist: I once tossed in a handful of toasted pecans and walnuts, which brought a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that paired beautifully with the apples.
• Dairy-free adaptation: For my friends who avoid dairy, using coconut yogurt and a vegan cream cheese substitute still works well—just expect a slight flavor difference.
• Extra apple punch: Sometimes I double the apples and add a pinch of ground nutmeg for a spiced autumn vibe.
• Gluten-free option: A blend of gluten-free flours can make this recipe safe for gluten sensitivity, but be gentle when mixing to keep the texture tender.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I like to butter my 9×5-inch loaf pan well to make sure the bread releases easily after baking — parchment paper would work too if you prefer. This little step saves you from a sticky mess later on.

Step 2: Mix the cinnamon sugar swirl

Combine the granulated sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple mix will become the magical swirl through your bread, adding bursts of warmth and sweetness.

Step 3: Make the batter

In a large bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil, apple butter, honey, yogurt (or sour cream), egg, vanilla extract, and milk until everything feels smooth and combined. Then add your flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing gently until just blended. Don’t overmix here — that’s a trick I learned the hard way, as overmixing can make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Layer and swirl the batter

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Then dollop teaspoon-sized blobs of room-temperature cream cheese all over the batter. Use a sharp paring knife to gently swirl the cream cheese through the batter, creating those gorgeous marbled pockets. Next, scatter the chopped Honeycrisp apples evenly on top, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mix, and spoon the remaining batter on top. It’s totally fine if the apples peek through a bit—the more rustic, the better! Finish by sprinkling the rest of your cinnamon sugar on top.

Step 5: Bake with care

Bake the bread for about 55 to 65 minutes, checking toward the end so it doesn’t overbrown. I like to tent my bread with foil halfway through baking to avoid burning the topper since the cinnamon sugar can caramelize quickly. To know if it’s done, poke the center with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Whip up the honey butter

While the bread bakes, mix together the softened salted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt for that luscious honey butter spread. It’s an absolute treat on the warm bread and makes the experience extra special.

Step 7: Cool and enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your bread cool for a bit before slicing. But honestly, I don’t mind a warm slice slathered with honey butter—it’s heavenly. Make sure to use a serrated knife for clean slices that keep all those swirls intact.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and just add a pat of my homemade honey butter or a drizzle of extra honey on top of warm slices. Sometimes I sprinkle a little powdered sugar for a pretty, festive look—especially if I’m serving guests.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and I love serving it alongside a creamy cheddar cheese plate or even a light green salad with vinaigrette for a brunch spread. The sweet and savory combo is always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve sliced this bread into mini squares and arranged them on a platter with dollops of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese and fresh apple slices. It makes for a delightful finger-food dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the bread cools completely, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh. If you want it softer, gently warming slices before serving really brings back that fresh-baked feeling.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bread successfully by slicing it first and wrapping individual slices in foil or plastic wrap, then storing them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick treat, I just thaw a slice overnight in the fridge or pop it in the toaster to refresh.

Reheating

To warm up leftover slices, I find the toaster oven is perfect—it crisps the edges while keeping the inside soft. You can also microwave a slice for about 15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, then spread on honey butter right after.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread Recipe enough—the combination of flavors and textures feels like a warm hug in slice form. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it brings a little extra joy to any kitchen day. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become your new favorite bread, just like it did for me.

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