Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

There’s something utterly heartwarming about Cinnamon Apple Bread that makes it feel like a cozy hug in food form. This delightfully moist loaf captures the essence of tender apples and warm cinnamon swirled through a soft, sweet batter, creating a perfect balance of comforting flavors and inviting aroma. Cinnamon Apple Bread is a versatile treat that can brighten up your breakfast table, elevate your afternoon coffee break, or even satisfy a sweet craving with its natural, wholesome goodness. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to nailing the perfect Cinnamon Apple Bread. Each element plays a starring role, from the tender apples that bring juiciness and texture to the cinnamon’s warming spice that ties everything together. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful loaf:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and crumb for a soft, tender loaf.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread moist and adds richness; butter offers a slightly deeper flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s fluffy texture.
• ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture and ensures the batter comes together smoothly.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and achieve a light crumb.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with warmth and depth.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet aromatic note to complement the cinnamon and apples.
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well): Provide juicy chunks with a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for apples): Tossed with apples to draw out sweetness and caramelize slightly during baking.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples): Ensures each apple piece is bursting with cinnamon flavor.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping): A crisp, sweet cinnamon sugar crust on top of the loaf for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a steady, even heat that will bake your bread to perfection. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and create a golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peeling and dicing your apples into small ½-inch cubes sets the stage for juicy bursts throughout the bread. Toss the apple pieces with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon—this step not only sweetens the fruit but also infuses it with spicy warmth, creating little pockets of delicious flavor inside the loaf.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures they are evenly distributed throughout your bread, so every bite gets a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat the 1 cup of sugar with your choice of vegetable oil or melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisking these ingredients together creates a smooth, creamy base that will bind your bread beautifully while adding richness and depth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet one until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here—a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can make the bread tough, but a light hand keeps it tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in Cinnamon-Sugar Apples

Now for the magic: gently fold your cinnamon-sugar coated apples into the batter. This step ensures juicy apple pieces are evenly dispersed, so every slice of your Cinnamon Apple Bread bursts with sweet, spiced fruit.

Step 7: Pour Batter and Add Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, mix the topping ingredients—2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon—and sprinkle the mixture over the top of the batter. This sugar-cinnamon crust will bake into a delightful, slightly crunchy topping that perfectly contrasts the moist bread inside.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up just right.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Garnishes

While this bread shines on its own, consider topping slices with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey or cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, festive finish that makes the loaf even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Apple Bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a hearty brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy yogurt parfait. The bread’s sweet spice complements savory dishes beautifully, making it versatile for different occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cinnamon apple bread thick and toasting it before spreading with nut butter or jam for an elevated breakfast treat. You can also cut it into cubes and use it as a base for a bread pudding, or layer it with mascarpone and fresh fruit for a quick dessert parfait that captures all the loaf’s comforting flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your Cinnamon Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature—perfect for grabbing a quick slice whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Cinnamon Apple Bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To revive your bread’s fresh-baked warmth, slice and toast it lightly or warm it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings out the fragrant cinnamon and softens the bread to that perfect, just-baked texture that feels like a cozy reset.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in Cinnamon Apple Bread?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn to suit your taste preferences. Just make sure the apples are firm so they hold their shape during baking.

Can I substitute the oil for butter in the recipe?

Yes, substituting melted butter for oil will add a richer, more decadent flavor to your Cinnamon Apple Bread. Both work well to keep the bread moist, so choose based on your flavor preference or what you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this bread gluten-free?

You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed to mimic regular flour. Be sure to check if your baking powder is gluten-free as well. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious!

How do I know when the Cinnamon Apple Bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes and test again.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?

Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or plump raisins can add wonderful texture and flavor to your Cinnamon Apple Bread. Fold in about ½ cup along with the apples in Step 6 for a delightful twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s an undeniable charm to Cinnamon Apple Bread that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary, warm, and comforting. Once you bake this lovely loaf, it’s sure to become your go-to recipe whenever you crave that perfect harmony of spice, sweetness, and soft apple goodness. So don’t wait—grab those ingredients, get baking, and share the magic of Cinnamon Apple Bread with everyone you love!

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