If your mornings or afternoon tea moments could use a bit of magic, this Apple Streusel Bread with Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine moist, tender bread bursting with warm cinnamon swirls and tender apple bites, crowned with a buttery crumbly streusel, and finished with a sweet, glossy glaze that brings everything together. It’s a heartwarming treat that’s both simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough to impress friends and family. This recipe is a personal favorite because it fills the house with the most comforting aroma and tastes like cozy memories in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Streusel Bread with Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of moisture, spice, and sweetness. From the tartness of the apples to the rich butter in the streusel, every element comes together for that ideal texture and flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread providing structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice throughout the bread.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while keeping it light.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: For a deep, molasses-like sweetness in both batter and streusel.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture, melting into every bite.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and help with the bread’s tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a mellow, aromatic touch.
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk: Moistens the batter and adds a slight tang if using buttermilk.
- 1 ½ cups finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star ingredient delivering bursts of fresh, tart sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for swirl): Blends with cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl layer.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for swirl): Mixed with sugar to give a perfect cinnamon layer inside the bread.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (streusel): Sweet and slightly caramelized topping element.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (streusel): Gives the streusel its crumbly texture.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (streusel): Adds warmth and spice to the streusel topping.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (streusel): Helps bind the streusel and achieve that tender crunch.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (glaze): Sweet, smooth glaze to finish the bread beautifully.
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.
How to Make Apple Streusel Bread with Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready. Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures your bread will rise evenly and have that beautiful, moist texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside since it forms the basis of the bread’s spiced flavor and texture.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Swirl and Streusel
In two separate small bowls, prepare the swirl and streusel toppings. Mix the granulated sugar with cinnamon for the swirl layer, then combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter to create your luscious streusel topping. Having these ready means you can layer with confidence and create a show-stopping texture contrast.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter with both granulated and brown sugar until smooth. Then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter feels silky. Finally, add the milk or buttermilk to bring moisture that keeps this bread wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures and Add Apples
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the bread light. Then, carefully fold in the finely diced apples—they add fruity freshness and a pleasant texture that complements the cinnamon in the bread.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread with the Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then carefully add the second half of the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter, creating those inviting cinnamon ribbons that make every bite special.
Step 7: Add Streusel and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the loaf, then place the bread in your preheated oven. Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning while the center cooks through.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze the Bread
Allow your bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes to set before transferring it onto a wire rack. When it’s completely cool, drizzle the powdered sugar glaze mixed with milk evenly across the top. The glaze adds a sweet, inviting finish that ties the whole Apple Streusel Bread with Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Recipe together beautifully.
How to Serve Apple Streusel Bread with Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top makes a simple but elegant garnish that instantly boosts the visual appeal. Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts also add a lovely crunch and deepen the flavor.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider to enhance its cozy vibe. If serving for breakfast, a smear of cream cheese or a spoonful of Greek yogurt brings a creamy tang that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thickly and serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a brunch twist, transform it into French toast by dipping thick slices in egg batter and frying gently. You can even gift slices baked in cute parchment bags for thoughtful homemade treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Streusel Bread with Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully cooled bread either whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead option.
Reheating
To warm frozen or leftover slices, toast them gently in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. This revives the soft texture and melts the glaze slightly for irresistible goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this bread?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because of their balance of tartness and sweetness as well as their firm texture, but feel free to try Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn for a twist. Just make sure the apples are diced finely to distribute evenly.
Is it okay to substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, regular milk works just fine, though buttermilk adds slight tanginess and tenderness. If using regular milk, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
How can I make the streusel topping extra crunchy?
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the streusel mix. Also, don’t skip the melted butter—it helps create that desirable crumbly, crisp texture during baking.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, replace eggs with flax eggs or mashed bananas, and use plant-based milk. The flavor will be close to original though texture might vary slightly.
Why does the bread sometimes sink in the middle?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed or the oven temperature is too low, causing the bread to collapse. Mixing just until combined and baking at the right temperature ensures steady rising and perfect structure.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming and satisfying about baking and sharing this Apple Streusel Bread with Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and spiced with an irresistible texture that makes every slice a moment of joy. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and make it a beloved staple in your baking collection. Trust me, once you do, it’s going to be requested again and again!
Print
Apple Streusel Bread with Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Apple Streusel Bread featuring tender chunks of apples swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a buttery streusel. This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, offering a delightful combination of sweet and spiced flavors with a crisp glaze finish.
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirled layer to add a sweet, spiced contrast inside the bread.
- Make Streusel Topping: In another small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the crumbly streusel topping. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly. Stir in the milk or buttermilk until well incorporated.
- Mix Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing for a tender crumb. Fold in the finely diced apples carefully.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top and use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Add Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the prepared streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter to create a crunchy topping as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, mix powdered sugar with milk to create a glaze and drizzle over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the swirl or streusel slightly.
- Ensure the bread is fully cooled before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting.
- You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor and softer crumb.
