Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is the kind of treat you dream about all afternoon—the loaf you can’t resist sneaking just one more slice from. It’s the perfect marriage of soft, tender crumb and juicy apples, with swirls of cinnamon sugar in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it warm from the oven with a mug of coffee or sneaking cold slices straight from the fridge, this recipe is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the delicious scent of autumn and cozy up any day of the year.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in achieving that irresistible, bakery-style loaf. Simple pantry staples transform into a masterpiece of flavor, with each addition bringing just the right pop of taste, texture, and color.

• Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for bright flavor and juicy texture throughout the bread.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the core structure and a tender crumb when measured carefully.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and also helps develop a golden crust.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth, moisture, and a hint of caramel richness, especially in the cinnamon swirl.
• Cinnamon: The star spice, delivering cozy, fragrant flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Baking powder: Ensures the loaf rises and stays light—not dense or heavy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the complexity of flavors.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and help create that tender, moist texture.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds a touch of richness.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the bread its luscious crumb and irresistible flavor—always use real butter if possible.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and complements both the apples and cinnamon beautifully.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small pieces—about half-inch cubes work perfectly. You want the apple bits to be small enough to bake into the batter without sinking, yet big enough to enjoy juicy bites throughout the loaf. Set aside while you get the batter ready.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar with a generous spoonful of cinnamon. This simple mixture is the key to those gorgeous cinnamon swirls and that caramelized top you can’t wait to sink your teeth into. Set it aside; you’ll layer it into the batter shortly.

Step 3: Create the Batter

Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy—it should look pale and feel airy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined. Be gentle to keep your Cinnamon Apple Bread tender; avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, distributing them as evenly as possible. Each slice deserves a good helping of apple, after all! Use a spatula and light hand to avoid bruising the fruit or deflating the batter.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the batter into a greased loaf pan, then sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Add the remaining batter, spreading it gently, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife or skewer to swirl through the loaf a few times—don’t go overboard, or you’ll lose those lovely streaks.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Try to resist cutting in right away—the aroma will be amazing, but waiting lets the flavors settle and makes for perfect slices!

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Garnishes

A slice of this Cinnamon Apple Bread truly shines with a little extra love. Dust the top with powdered sugar after it’s cooled, or drizzle a simple icing (just whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk). For something extra indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to each slice before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm Cinnamon Apple Bread with a strong cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting breakfast, or serve slices alongside vanilla yogurt and fresh berries for a brunch-worthy feast. It also makes a delightful afternoon snack with a cold glass of milk or apple cider.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Try toasting thick slices and spreading them with whipped honey butter or cream cheese. For dessert, transform your Cinnamon Apple Bread into a decadent sundae by topping warmed slices with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cinnamon Apple Bread keeps well for several days at room temperature. Wrap the cooled loaf snugly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. Enjoy within three days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. For convenience, slice before freezing so you can grab single portions as needed—just pop them straight into the toaster or let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring Cinnamon Apple Bread back to its fresh-baked glory, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or toast them for a subtle crunch. If you’ve frozen individual slices, you can reheat from frozen using a toaster or toaster oven—easy and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes! A good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend will yield a similarly soft and delicious loaf. Just be sure to check if you need to add xanthan gum, depending on the blend you use.

What kind of apples work best for Cinnamon Apple Bread?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady are perfect because they hold their shape and add a bright contrast to the sweet cinnamon swirl. Avoid softer varieties, as they may get mushy during baking.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely—walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries bring extra bursts of sweetness. Stir them in with the apples or sprinkle on top with the cinnamon sugar.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

No brown sugar? No problem! You can use all granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses if you have it. The flavor will be a little less caramel-y, but still delicious.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should look golden and feel firm. Don’t worry if the edges are a bit darker—that’s a sign of a perfect crust!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bake that warms your heart and home, you can’t go wrong with this Cinnamon Apple Bread. Each bite is pure comfort, and it’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to share. Whip up a loaf and see for yourself—once you’ve had your first slice, I promise you’ll be hooked!

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