Apple Cinnamon Swirl White Cake with Vanilla Glaze
A tender white whole wheat cake layered with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a simple vanilla glaze. The swirled brown sugar mixture creates pockets of caramelized sweetness throughout the moist crumb, while fresh apple pieces add texture and natural flavor. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, this comforting loaf cake offers the classic appeal of apple cinnamon in an easy-to-slice format that's ideal for sharing or meal prep.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅝ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ cup skim milkwhole milk1:1standard
richer flavor
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
- ¾ cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoons skim milk, adjust as needed for consistencywhole milk1:1standard
richer flavor
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- 2
Spray with baking spray or grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan
- 3
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl
- 4
Beat white sugar and butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy
- 5
Beat in eggs one at a time until incorporated
- 6
Add vanilla extract
- 7
Combine flour and baking powder together in a bowl
- 8
Stir flour mixture into creamed butter mixture
- 9
Mix skim milk into batter until smooth
- 10
Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan
- 11
Add half the apples and half the brown sugar mixture
- 12
Lightly pat apple mixture into batter
- 13
Pour the remaining batter over apple layer
- 14
Top with remaining apples and brown sugar mixture
- 15
Lightly pat apples into batter
- 16
Swirl brown sugar mixture through apples using a spoon
- 17
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes
- 18
Mix glaze ingredients together in a small bowl
- 19
Drizzle glaze on top of cake
Tips
Pat apple pieces gently into batter to prevent them from sinking during baking
Swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture lightly to create marble patterns without overmixing
Let cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off
Good to Know
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead without glaze; add glaze just before serving
Slice with a sharp knife; serve at room temperature or slightly warm
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake
Pat apples gently to prevent sinking during baking
Cool completely before glazing to prevent melting
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, but adjust baking time. A 8x8 square pan will need 35-45 minutes, while muffins need 18-25 minutes.
What if I don't have white whole wheat flour?
Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly as a substitute using the same measurement for a lighter texture.
How long will this cake keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week. Freeze unfrosted for 3 months.