1-Combine ½ cup packed brown sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

2-Peel and chop 1 large apple into small pieces no larger than a thumbnail; set aside.

3-In a large bowl, mix ½ cup softened salted butter and ⅔ cup granulated white sugar using a hand or stand mixer on low to medium speed until grainy and crumbly.

4-Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the same bowl and mix until smooth and soupy with no large chunks remaining.

5-Add 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and 1 pinch salt to the bowl and stir to combine.

6-Stir in ½ cup milk until fully incorporated.

7-Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour half the batter into the pan. Layer half the chopped apple on top, then half the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter, chopped apple, and cinnamon-sugar mixture.

8-Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit on the center rack for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9-Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing, slicing, and serving warm, with or without butter.