Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

There’s just something magical about Apple Cinnamon Bread: it’s pure cozy comfort, like wrapping up in your favorite sweater on a crisp autumn morning. This recipe is bursting with juicy apple chunks, swirls of warm cinnamon, and a buttery, barely-sweet crumb that makes it the perfect treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or anytime you crave a slice of nostalgia. You’ll find it’s not only easy to make but absolutely irresistible—the kind of homemade loaf that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to an incredible Apple Cinnamon Bread is a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, moisture, and that signature golden crust. Let’s take a look at what makes this loaf unforgettable.

• All Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy, yet tender structure that lets the apples and cinnamon shine without falling apart.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds that classic warmth, wrapping the apples in a fragrant, spicy hug throughout the bread.
• Baking Powder: Gives the loaf its gentle rise, so every slice is perfectly fluffy and never dense.
• Baking Soda: Works with the apples’ natural acidity to create even more lift and keep things light.
• Salt: Heightens flavors and keeps the sweetness in check, so your bread has just the right balance.
• Apples: The stars of the show! Fresh apples add juicy bursts, natural sweetness, and keep the loaf moist.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, giving the bread its tender crumb and helping it hold its shape.
• White Sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough—it’s all about enhancing, not overpowering, those fresh apple flavors.
• Light Brown Sugar: Brings depth and a hint of caramel goodness, plus a bit of extra moisture.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted for richness and a decadent, classic bakery aroma and taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Ties everything together with floral sweetness and warmth in the background.
• White Sugar (for cinnamon sugar): Sprinkled on top for a crackly, sweet finish that looks as good as it tastes.
• Ground Cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar): Another dusting on top ensures every bite sings with cinnamon flavor.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin your Apple Cinnamon Bread adventure by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a standard loaf pan with a swirl of non-stick cooking spray (or butter, if that’s your style) and set it aside. This ensures your loaf releases beautifully—no sticking, just sweet anticipation!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix builds all the flavor and structure, and whisking helps make sure every bite is even, tender, and full of warm spice.

Step 3: Prep the Apples

Chop one apple into 1/4-inch cubes until you have about 1 cup—these add scrumptious texture. Next, grate 1 1/2 cups using the coarse side of a box grater. No need to peel; the skin brings extra color, nutrients, and even more apple flavor!

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar for about 90 seconds, until thick and pale. Pour in the melted (but not hot!) butter and vanilla extract, and whisk for another 30 seconds. This step is where all the richness comes together, creating the backbone of your Apple Cinnamon Bread.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Using a wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. The batter will look thick at first, but don’t worry—that means you’re on the right track! Be careful not to overmix, so your loaf stays soft and tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Add Apples

Fold in the grated and chopped apples, mixing just until they’re evenly distributed. The apples will loosen up the batter, making it easier to spread and infusing the loaf with all that fruity, autumnal moisture. Scrape the batter into your prepared pan.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the remaining tablespoon of white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the loaf’s surface for a golden, shatteringly sweet crust—arguably the best bite!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (no raw batter!). Cool the loaf in the pan on a wire rack until it’s completely set, allowing all the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up just right.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

Give your Apple Cinnamon Bread a bakery-worthy finish by showering each slice with a light dusting of powdered sugar, an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of vanilla glaze. For a rustic touch, a pat of salted butter or a smear of apple butter is simply divine and adds a touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with tangy Greek yogurt, crisp apple slices, or a handful of toasted walnuts for a balanced breakfast or snack. If you want cozy café vibes, enjoy it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spicy chai latte—the perfect start (or pause) to any day.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Apple Cinnamon Bread into a decadent dessert by lightly toasting slices and serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. Or, slice thick and use it for a show-stopping French toast casserole that will have brunch guests swooning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Apple Cinnamon Bread has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days—just slip the wrapped loaf into an airtight container or a zip-top bag to keep it plush and fresh.

Freezing

Apple Cinnamon Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) in two layers of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Pop into a freezer-safe bag, and you can store it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter, and you’ll have a ready-to-go treat.

Reheating

Warm up slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or pop the loaf (wrapped in foil) in a 300 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven taste and aroma. Perfect for chilly mornings or when you just want a little extra coziness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?

Absolutely! While sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold up beautifully, any firm apple you love will work nicely in Apple Cinnamon Bread. Mixing apple types can create even more depth of flavor.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

No peeling required! Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber, color, and a subtle texture, making the bread heartier and more rustic. Plus, it saves you time in the kitchen.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free all purpose flour blend. The bread will be slightly more delicate, but just as delicious and full of cinnamon-apple flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to thoroughly grease your loaf pan with either non-stick spray or a swipe of butter, and, if you want extra security, you can line it with a parchment sling for super easy removal.

Can I double the recipe and freeze one loaf?

Definitely! This recipe doubles beautifully, so you can share one Apple Cinnamon Bread and freeze the other for future cravings. Just remember to adjust your baking time if your loaves are thicker.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread yet, now’s the perfect time. From the heavenly scent that fills your home to that soft, cinnamon-swirled bite, this cozy treat is sure to become a favorite family tradition. Give it a try, share with friends—or just save all the slices for yourself. You deserve it!

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