Sweet & Spiced Apple Cinnamon Loaf Recipe for Cozy Bakers

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through my mind when I think about this comforting apple cinnamon loaf.

Sweet aromas of freshly baked goodness promise pure delight.

Warm spices dance alongside tender fruit chunks, creating a nostalgic blend.

Crisp fall mornings feel magical with a slice of this homemade treat.

Seasonal ingredients weave together in a simple yet delectable creation.

Home bakers can easily master this straightforward recipe with confidence.

Slice into comfort and let each bite tell a delicious story.

What Makes Apple Cinnamon Loaf So Cozy

• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up this delightful apple cinnamon loaf with minimal effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Treat: A comforting dessert that brings everyone together, pleasing both kids and adults with its warm, sweet flavors.
• Versatile Occasion Delight: Enjoy as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert for gatherings and potlucks.
• Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: Captures the essence of autumn with classic apple and cinnamon combination, making it an irresistible fall favorite.

Apple Cinnamon Loaf Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft and powdery base for the loaf.
• Sugar: Sweet granulated ingredient for flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds richness.
• Butter: Creamy fat for moisture and taste.
• Apples: Fresh and crisp fruit for natural sweetness.

• Cinnamon: Warm and aromatic spice that complements apples.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure flavor booster with sweet undertones.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helpers that make the loaf rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Tiny ingredient that balances all the flavors.
• Ground Nutmeg: Subtle spice that adds depth to the overall taste.

• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a tender crumb.
• Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient that keeps the loaf moist.

• Powdered Sugar: Soft white dusting for a pretty finish.

Apple Cinnamon Loaf Baking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a loaf pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This helps create a tender, delicious loaf.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 6: Fold in Apples

• Peeled and diced apples
• Toss apples in a little flour to prevent sinking

Step 7: Pour Batter and Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Create Cinnamon Topping

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped nuts (optional)

over the top of the batter.

Step 9: Bake the Loaf

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 11: Optional Glaze

If desired, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Apple Loaf

• Toss apple chunks in flour before adding to batter to keep them evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure a more even, tender crumb in your apple cinnamon loaf.
• Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Let the loaf cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean, neat slices.
• Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 3 days at room temperature.

How to Store and Warm Apple Cinnamon Loaf

• Store leftover apple cinnamon loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Carefully wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen loaf stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Remove from the freezer and let the loaf sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a soft, fresh-like texture.
• Warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore the loaf's original texture and brings out the warm cinnamon aroma.

What Pairs with Apple Cinnamon Loaf

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Match the apple cinnamon loaf with a crisp Riesling or late harvest Gewürztraminer, whose sweet and slightly acidic notes complement the bread's warm spices and fruity undertones.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped mascarpone or vanilla bean cream to enhance the loaf's soft crumb and add a luxurious creamy counterpoint.
• Breakfast Beverage Harmony: Pour a steaming mug of chai tea or cinnamon-infused coffee, which will echo the loaf's aromatic spices and provide a cozy morning experience.
• Enhance Dessert Moment: Drizzle a light caramel sauce over a slice to intensify the apple's natural sweetness and add a glistening, indulgent touch to each bite.

Loaf Add-Ins and Style Options

• Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Loaf: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains soft texture and rich flavor.
• Vegan Apple Cinnamon Loaf: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil to create a dairy-free, egg-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cinnamon Loaf: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, and incorporate unsweetened applesauce to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the loaf moist.
• Nut-Enhanced Apple Cinnamon Loaf: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more complex and textured bread experience.

FAQs

• What makes cinnamon and apple a classic flavor combination?

The sweetness of apples naturally complements the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon, creating a harmonious blend that reminds people of cozy autumn days and homemade comfort food.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, both sweet and tart apples work well. Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala offer natural sweetness. Choose apples that hold their shape during baking for the best texture.

• How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the loaf?

Toss chopped apples in a light coating of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps suspend the fruit throughout the loaf and prevents them from sinking during baking.

• Is it possible to make this loaf gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

Apple Cinnamon Loaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet aromas of cinnamon apple loaf waft through kitchens, promising comfort and warmth. Rich, moist crumb studded with tender fruit offers a delightful slice of homemade happiness you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 apples, chopped

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a loaf pan by generously coating the interior with butter and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon, whisking until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or vigorous hand-whisking.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully integrated before adding the next.
5. Gently fold the vanilla extract into the wet ingredients, creating a smooth and aromatic base.
6. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth, lump-free batter.
7. Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure consistent fruit throughout the loaf.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
9. For the streusel topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over the batter, covering the entire surface.
11. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, typically around 50-60 minutes.
12. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
13. Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.

Notes

• Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced flavor profile in your loaf.
• Dice apples uniformly to ensure even distribution and prevent sinking to the bottom of the batter during baking.
• Gently fold apple chunks into the batter to maintain their shape and prevent excessive breaking, which can make the loaf too wet.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon and a light dusting of raw sugar on top before baking for a delightful crispy, caramelized crust that adds extra crunch and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg