1-Preheat oven to 350F degrees: Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a large loaf pan (about a 9×5-inch) with nonstick cooking spray (I like the kind with flour in it – like Baker’s Joy.)
2-In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup: In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set aside.
3-Using a stand mixer (or in a: Using a stand mixer (or in a large bowl with an electric mixer), mix together 2/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature until smooth.
4-Stir in 2 large eggs and 2: Stir in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined.
5-Stir in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour,: Stir in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 cup milk; mix until combined.
6-Pour half the batter into prepared loaf: Pour half the batter into prepared loaf pan.
7-Cover batter with half the 1 1/4: Cover batter with half the 1 1/4 cup peeled and chopped apples (into 2-inch chunks) diced apples. Press the apples down slightly into the batter.
8-Sprinkle the apples with half the cinnamon: Sprinkle the apples with half the cinnamon sugar mixture.
9-Pour the remaining batter over the apple: Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer.
10-Top with remaining diced apples (again, pushing: Top with remaining diced apples (again, pushing the apples gently into the batter.)
11-Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
12-Bake for about 50-60 minutes (until a: Bake for about 50-60 minutes (until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.)
13-Allow to cool completely before removing from: Allow to cool completely before removing from baking pan.