Quick & Cozy Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe for Fall Baking Joy

Baking this delightful cinnamon apple bread will transport you to a cozy autumn morning with its warm, inviting aroma.

Sweet apples nestle perfectly between layers of soft, spiced dough.

Crisp fruit adds a burst of natural sweetness to every slice.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with each bite.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

Soft crumbs and fragrant spices promise a delectable treat that calls you to the kitchen.

Slice into this comforting bread and savor the magic of homemade goodness.

Apple Bread That’s Warm, Spiced, and Full of Fall Flavor

  • Effortless Baking Delight: This cinnamon apple bread recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm cinnamon and sweet apple chunks, the bread appeals to all ages, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or dessert – this bread adapts beautifully to any mealtime or casual celebration.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: With straightforward mixing steps and minimal dirty dishes, you can whip up this delectable bread without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy base for a rich and moist bread.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender texture.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the bread.
  • Flour: Primary dry ingredient for the bread's foundation.
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that adds moisture and natural sweetness.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bread rise and become light.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Salt: Add depth and balance to the bread's taste.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk: Contributes moisture and helps bind ingredients.
Topping:
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Creates a sweet and aromatic swirl throughout the bread.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Step by Step Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a roomy mixing bowl, blend softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and super smooth. The texture should look fluffy and delicate.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Pour in milk and vanilla, stirring until everything combines into a silky mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well blended and free of lumps.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Carefully mix in freshly chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Swirl Topping

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend until the sugar and cinnamon are perfectly integrated.

Step 7: Layer the Batter

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the layer. Add remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar blend.

Step 8: Swirl the Topping

Take a knife and gently create beautiful swirls through the batter, creating a marbled cinnamon effect.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Slice and savor each delicious bite of your homemade cinnamon apple bread.

Cinnamon Apple Bread: Key Baking Tips

  • Boost Apple Freshness: Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a vibrant flavor and perfect texture in your bread.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Pat chopped apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the bread soggy and dense.
  • Create Swirl Magic: Use a light hand when swirling cinnamon sugar to achieve beautiful marbled patterns without over-mixing the batter.
  • Preserve Bread Softness: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist, tender crumb.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at an angle near the center to ensure complete baking without creating large holes in the bread's surface.

Cinnamon Apple Bread How To Keep It Moist

  • Store the cinnamon apple bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the bread cool and away from strong-smelling foods.
  • Wrap the cooled bread completely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
  • Preheat oven to 300°F, wrap bread loosely in aluminum foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain moisture and restore the bread's original texture.
  • Slice the bread and microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying out and maintain softness.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Goes With

  • Savor Warming Chai Tea Companion: Rich, spicy chai tea perfectly complements the sweet-cinnamon notes of the apple bread, creating a cozy flavor harmony that enhances the delicate apple and cinnamon undertones.
  • Pair with Vanilla Cream Cheese Spread: Whip softened cream cheese with pure vanilla extract and a touch of honey to create a luscious spread that adds creamy richness and subtle sweetness to each slice of the apple bread.
  • Match with Caramel Drizzle Delight: Drizzle homemade or quality store-bought caramel sauce over a slice of bread to elevate the dessert's depth, adding a luxurious golden sweetness that mingles beautifully with the apple and cinnamon flavors.
  • Serve Alongside Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Scoop cold maple pecan ice cream next to a warm slice of bread, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that brings out the bread's warmth and comfort.

Add In Options for Cinnamon Apple Bread

  • Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft texture and rich flavor for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Apple Spice Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap milk with almond milk for a dairy-free, egg-free version that maintains the bread's moistness.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Cinnamon Bread: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate extra spices like nutmeg to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
  • Whole Wheat Healthier Option: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content and create a more nutritious quick bread with a slightly nuttier flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What kind of apples work best for this bread?

Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet bread.

  • Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a mashed banana per egg to keep the bread moist and help it bind together.

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

Toss the chopped apples in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the bread while baking.

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

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help maintain the bread’s texture and structure.

Print
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Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet cinnamon apple bread celebrates autumn’s warmth with moist, fragrant slices packed with comforting spices and tender fruit. Baked golden and inviting, this homemade treat promises delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure you’ll savor to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups apple, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan with a light butter coating to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth creamy texture.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Gently stir in milk and vanilla extract, creating a uniform liquid base.
  4. Separately, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking to distribute leavening agents evenly.
  5. Merge dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb. Gently fold chopped apples throughout the batter, distributing fruit evenly.
  6. Create a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture by blending sugar and ground cinnamon in a small dish.
  7. Transfer half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, generously sprinkling with half the cinnamon-sugar blend. Layer remaining batter on top and dust with remaining cinnamon-sugar.
  8. Using a knife, create gentle swirling patterns to integrate cinnamon-sugar throughout the batter, generating a marbled effect.
  9. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and without raw batter.
  10. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, allowing it to set. Transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before slicing into delectable pieces.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more even mixing that prevents lumpy batter.
  • Dice apples into small, uniform chunks to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor throughout the bread.
  • For a healthier version, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar by using applesauce or honey as a natural sweetener.
  • Create extra moisture by gently patting apple pieces dry with paper towels before folding into batter, preventing soggy bread texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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