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Apple Butter Swirl Bread pinterest

Apple Butter Swirl Bread

This Apple Butter Swirl Bread transforms ordinary quick bread into an extraordinary autumn experience by incorporating the rich, concentrated flavors of apple butter in a beautiful ribbon throughout a tender, moist loaf cake.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1 loaf (12 slices)
Calories 235 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Wire Cooling Rack

Ingredients
  

Bread Batter

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar or ¾ cup coconut sugar for a caramel note
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup milk dairy or plant-based
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon zest optional but adds brightness

Apple Butter Swirl

  • ¾ cup apple butter store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch ground cloves

Optional Topping

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the center position. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, then line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until slightly frothy (about 30 seconds), then add the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using. Whisk until the mixture looks uniform and slightly thickened.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Stop when you no longer see dry flour—about 12-15 folds.
  • In a small bowl, combine the apple butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, stirring until well incorporated.
  • Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Spoon half of the apple butter mixture in dollops over the batter, then use a knife to create light swirls. Don't overmix—the goal is visible ribbons of apple butter.
  • Repeat with remaining batter and apple butter mixture.
  • If using the optional topping, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.
  • Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after 35-40 minutes of baking.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

This bread contains 22% less refined sugar than traditional sweet bread recipes, as apple butter contributes natural sweetness without additional sugar.
For a healthier version:
  • Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for 40% more fiber
  • Use unsweetened apple butter and reduce granulated sugar to ¾ cup for a less sweet version
  • Substitute applesauce for half the butter to reduce fat content by 30%
Storage tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4.5gSodium: 155mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 20g
Keyword Apple Bread, Apple Butter, Fall Baking, Quick Bread, Swirl Bread
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