Apple Cinnamon Loaf

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup Greek yogurt (or substitute with sour cream) - 2 cups apples, peeled and diced - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping) - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping) When making the apple cinnamon loaf, the ingredients must be fresh. Use ripe apples for the best taste. For this recipe, you can use any firm apple, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. The walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can skip them if you prefer a smoother texture. - 1 cup flour = about 120 grams - 1 cup sugar = about 200 grams - 1 cup butter = about 227 grams - 1 cup Greek yogurt = about 245 grams These conversions help if you want to change the serving size. For example, if you want to make a smaller loaf, you can cut the recipe in half. Just remember to adjust the baking time too! Using the right measurements is key. If you pack the flour, you might use too much. Always spoon the flour into the cup and level it off for accuracy. To make the perfect apple cinnamon loaf, follow these key steps: 1. Preheat your oven and prepare the loaf pan. 2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. 3. Combine both mixtures without overmixing. 4. Fold in apples and nuts. 5. Bake until golden brown and cool before slicing. - Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside. - Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set this bowl aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. - Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg blends in well before adding the next. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. - Add Yogurt: Gently fold in 1 cup of Greek yogurt until it is fully mixed into the batter. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine. - Add Apples and Walnuts: Carefully fold in 2 cups of diced apples and ½ cup of chopped walnuts if you like. This adds great flavor and crunch. - Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter. - Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf in your preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick comes out clean and the top looks golden brown. - Cool and Serve: After baking, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. For the full recipe, refer to the ingredients and steps listed above. To make the best apple cinnamon loaf, focus on texture and flavor. Start with room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix well and rise nicely. When mixing, use a gentle hand. Overmixing can create a dense loaf, which is not what we want. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands work well in this recipe. For dairy-free needs, swap Greek yogurt with almond or coconut yogurt. These options keep the loaf moist and delicious. To boost flavor, think about adding spices. Nutmeg or allspice can bring warmth. You can also add in raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. These small changes can make your loaf even more delightful. For the full recipe, check back to create this rich and flavorful delight. {{image_4}} You can add more fruit to your apple cinnamon loaf. Pears mix well with apples. They add a sweet, juicy touch. You could also try cranberries. Their tartness gives a nice balance. Use one or two cups of these fruits. Just chop them small to blend well in the batter. This adds more flavor and keeps the loaf moist. Toppings make your loaf shine! A crumble topping adds crunch. Just mix flour, butter, and sugar. Sprinkle it on before baking. You can also use a glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice. Drizzle this on top after the loaf cools. Both options add sweetness and style to your dish. Want smaller treats? Make mini loaves or muffins! Just use the same batter. For mini loaves, bake for 30 to 40 minutes. For muffins, check them at 20 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick to see if they are done. This gives you fun, bite-sized snacks that are perfect for sharing or a quick breakfast. For more ideas, check out the full recipe! To keep your apple cinnamon loaf fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container. This method locks in moisture and flavor. You can store it at room temperature for up to four days. For long-term storage, freeze it. Slice the loaf before freezing for easy serving later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. The loaf can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy your loaf again, reheating it right is key. The best way to warm slices is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the loaf moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave. Heat one slice for 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or it may dry out. Your apple cinnamon loaf stays good for about four days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last a week. The cooler air slows down spoilage. Just remember, the loaf tastes best fresh. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within the first few days. If you freeze it, remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt? You can use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt. It gives a nice creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, try using unsweetened almond yogurt. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen apples. Just thaw them first and drain excess moisture. This will help keep your loaf from being too wet. How do I know when the loaf is fully baked? To check if the loaf is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the loaf is ready. The top should also be golden brown. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can make it vegan. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. Also, use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Can I adjust the sweetness in the recipe? Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by a third. You might want to add apples for natural sweetness. Taste the batter before baking to adjust as needed. What to serve with Apple Cinnamon Loaf? This loaf pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Can I add other spices for a unique flavor? Yes, feel free to add nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth. A splash of vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor. Get creative with spices you enjoy! You now have all the tools to bake a delicious Apple Cinnamon Loaf. We covered the key ingredients and how to mix them right. Remember to preheat your oven and follow the step-by-step instructions carefully. Use the tips to enhance your loaf's flavor and texture. Try out different fruits or toppings for variety. Lastly, store the loaf correctly to keep it fresh. Enjoy baking and savoring this tasty treat with your loved ones!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Apple Cinnamon Loaf! This delicious recipe perfectly combines tender apples and warm cinnamon for a comforting treat. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you'll impress your family and friends. Whether for breakfast or dessert, this loaf is sure to be a hit. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a slice of happiness to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup Greek yogurt (or substitute with sour cream)

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (approximately 2 medium apples)

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it generously with butter or cooking spray, then set it aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set this bowl aside for now.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and airy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Add Yogurt: Gently fold in the Greek yogurt, mixing until it's fully blended into the batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Add Apples and Walnuts: Carefully fold the diced apples and chopped walnuts (if using) into the batter, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout.

Prepare for Baking: Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even top. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.

Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice to serve either warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min | Servings: 10 slices

- Presentation Tips: For a delightful serving experience, arrange the slices on a decorative plate. Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top, and finish with a light dusting of additional cinnamon for an inviting look. Enjoy your delicious creation!