If you are craving a warm, cozy treat that tastes like a hug in loaf form, this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chunks of fresh apples and swirls of fragrant cinnamon, every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Moist, tender, and lightly glazed, this bread is incredibly satisfying and feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a weekday indulgence. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort bake for mornings, snacks, or even dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, familiar ingredients is the first exciting step towards your delicious cinnamon apple bread. Each component plays a crucial part: the flour and leavening give it structure, butter and sugar add richness and sweetness, while fresh apples provide moisture and bursts of natural flavor. Don’t overlook the cinnamon, which brings warmth and that unmistakable cozy aroma.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing the perfect texture that’s soft yet sturdy.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully for a light crumb.
- ½ tsp salt (or ¼ tsp if using salted butter): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moistness and richness to keep the bread tender.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the apple’s natural flavor.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Provides structure and helps bind all ingredients.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely depth and subtle sweetness.
- ½ cup whole milk (or 2% milk): Adds creaminess and moistness for a tender crumb.
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Jonagold): The star ingredient, lending juicy, fresh flavor and texture.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Used in the cinnamon apple swirl and topping for a hint of caramel richness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The warm spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar and ½ tsp cinnamon: For sprinkling on top, creating a delightful crust.
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk, ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional): Whisked together as a glaze to drizzle over the cooled bread for a finishing touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread releases smoothly after baking, setting you up for a flawless loaf with a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend forms the structure and leavening of your bread, making sure it rises evenly and has that perfect tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air, which is crucial for a soft and lofty bread. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, followed by the vanilla extract, infusing your batter with lovely aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredient mix and milk to the wet batter, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the bread tough. The batter should be thick but scoopable, ready to warmly embrace those apples.
Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Apple Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Fold 1 cup of the chopped apples into the batter. Pour half the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter, spread evenly, then finish by topping with the remaining cinnamon sugar and apples. This layering not only looks beautiful but creates pockets of sweet, spiced apple goodness throughout the loaf.
Step 6: Add the Final Topping
Combine the last of your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter. This sugar crust caramelizes during baking, giving your bread a lovely crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender interior.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes so it sets nicely, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: Whisk and Drizzle the Glaze
Mix confectioner’s sugar, milk, and optional cinnamon until smooth and just pourable. Drizzle generously over the cooled bread, letting the glaze drip down the sides for a sweet finishing touch. This stage adds a little extra sweetness and gorgeous shine that makes the bread irresistible.
Step 9: Slice and Enjoy
Once glazed, slice your homemade bread into thick, inviting pieces. Now you’re ready to enjoy the magic of soft apples, warming cinnamon, and buttery bread all wrapped into one unforgettable treat!
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin apple slices arranged on top elevates the presentation beautifully. For extra warmth, a small pat of butter melting on each slice or a light drizzle of honey complements the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a mug of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it ideal for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. For a hearty feel, serve alongside warm bowls of creamy soup, or spread with your favorite nut butter for a delightful balance of textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving slices warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert-worthy indulgence. You can also cut the bread into mini squares, skewer them, and dip in cinnamon sugar glaze or melted chocolate for a fun party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh, preserving the wonderful flavors and soft crumb.
Freezing
For longer storage, cinnamon apple bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that freshly baked feel. Adding a bit of butter on top before reheating melts into a delicious finish, bringing your bread back to life perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for the Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe?
Yes! While tart varieties like Granny Smith or balanced Honeycrisp and Jonagold are preferred for a nice contrast with the sweetness, feel free to experiment with whatever apples you have on hand. Just make sure to chop them uniformly for even baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. You might want to add a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it to help with texture and rise.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and raisins or dried cranberries contribute bursts of sweetness that complement the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The bread will also pull slightly away from the sides of the pan when fully baked.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or any other dairy-free milk in place of cow’s milk. These substitutes work well and maintain the bread’s moistness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is truly a delight, blending simple ingredients into something spectacularly comforting and delicious. I encourage you to try it out soon—whether for breakfast, snack time, or sharing with friends, it promises to bring a little warmth and joy to your day.
Print
Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe offers a moist and flavorful loaf studded with tender apple pieces and layers of cinnamon sugar, topped off with a sweet cinnamon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this quick bread combines autumnal flavors in every bite, baked to golden perfection in a single loaf.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt (reduce to ¼ tsp if using salted butter)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
Apple & Cinnamon Filling
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Jonagold)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine and aerate the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps create a tender crumb. Then add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep your bread tender.
- Incorporate Apples and Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the spiced sugar mixture. Fold 1 cup of the chopped apples into the batter gently. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Finally, scatter the rest of the chopped apples over the top.
- Add the Topping: Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons light brown sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the entire batter in the loaf pan to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and optional cinnamon until smooth, adding milk gradually for the desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread. Once the glaze sets a little, slice the bread and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Jonagold provides the best texture and tartness balance.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure your bread stays light and tender.
- You can substitute 2% milk with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative if preferred.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by varying the milk quantity; thicker glaze is ideal for a stronger sweetness.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
