This cozy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf is the ultimate autumn-inspired morning treat. Featuring a tender, moist crumb packed with chunks of fresh tart apples and warm cinnamon spice, it is topped with an irresistible brown sugar streusel crumble and a sweet vanilla glaze. It pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or tea.
Ingredients & Prep
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The Fruit: 2 cups peeled and diced tart baking apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), tossed in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
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The Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
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The Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened), 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs (at room temperature), 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for supreme moisture).
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The Streusel Topping: 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces).
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The Vanilla Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
1.Prep Pan and Streusel:Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the streusel ingredients (flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter) and cut the butter in with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
2.Mix Dry Ingredients:Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
3.Beat Butter and Sugars:Cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
4.Combine Batter and Fold Apples:Fold in dry ingredients and diced cinnamon apples.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula just until combined (do not overmix). Gently fold in your diced cinnamon apples.
5.Bake and Glaze:Top with streusel and bake at 350°F for 50 to 55 minutes.
Pour the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface. Bake at 350°F for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, then drizzle with vanilla glaze!
