01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 23x13 cm loaf pan and set aside.
02 -
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until fully incorporated.
03 -
Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
04 -
Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until blended.
05 -
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
06 -
Gently fold diced apples and walnuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
07 -
Mix brown sugar and the additional teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl to create the topping.
08 -
Pour half the batter into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over batter. Add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
09 -
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center emerges clean.
10 -
Allow to cool in pan for 10–15 minutes. Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.