Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

If you are searching for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples, this Cinnamon Apple Bread is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful blend of moist, tender bread enriched with sweet cinnamon-spiced apple pieces that create a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this bread promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings with its homey, spiced goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Apple Bread uses simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create its tender texture, sweet apple bursts, and that perfect cinnamon warmth. Each ingredient has a vital role — from the fluffy flour base to the aromatic spices and juicy apples — ensuring your bread turns out moist and bursting with flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the bread, making it tender but sturdy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples and spices.
• Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread moist and adds richness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the baking powder.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the bread light and fluffy.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with warm, aromatic spice.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet fragrance that complements the cinnamon.
• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Bring a fresh, juicy contrast with their tender, cinnamon-sugar coated pieces.
• Sugar and cinnamon for topping: Create a slightly crunchy, fragrant crust that finishes the bread beautifully.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Apples

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick. While the oven is warming up, peel and dice your apples into small ½-inch pieces. Toss them in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon — this coating brings out their natural sweetness and gives the bread delightful pockets of cinnamon-spiced apple in every bite. Set these aside, ready for the batter.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening and spices throughout your bread, which is key to that signature flavor and perfect rise in your Cinnamon Apple Bread.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat together your sugar, oil (or melted butter), eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture will create the luscious base that keeps your Cinnamon Apple Bread light, moist, and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet ones and stir just until combined — don’t overmix, as this can make the bread dense. Leaving a few lumps is perfectly fine and helps keep your bread tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Cinnamon-Sugar Apples

Now it’s time for the stars of the show: fold those cinnamon-coated apple pieces gently into the batter so they spread evenly but remain intact. This layering adds bursts of juicy, spiced apple throughout your bread.

Step 6: Pour, Top, and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly. Mix together the topping sugar and cinnamon separately, then sprinkle it generously over the batter for a sweet, crunchy crust. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This baking time lets the bread rise fully and develop a golden crust while keeping the inside moist.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the bread set so you can slice it cleanly without crumbling, and it also lets the flavors settle into that perfect cinnamon apple harmony.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Garnishes

To really elevate your Cinnamon Apple Bread, try garnishing slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze. A pat of softened butter mixed with a hint of cinnamon can also be spread on warm slices for an indulgent touch that enhances the bread’s spice and moistness.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea, thanks to the complementary warm spices. For a heartier option, serve it alongside creamy yogurt sprinkled with granola or a bowl of smooth vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert treat that contrasts temperatures and textures beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Turn this into a Cinnamon Apple Bread pudding by cubing leftover bread and soaking it in a custard mixture before baking. Or, serve thick slices toasted with a swirl of cinnamon honey butter for an extra-special breakfast. The versatility of this bread means you can get creative and enjoy it multiple ways without ever growing bored.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled Cinnamon Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to three days and maintains its moist texture beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to make this bread ahead or save leftovers, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to three months without loss of flavor or texture, making it convenient to enjoy whenever a cinnamon apple craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy your Cinnamon Apple Bread warm, simply microwave one or two slices for about 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, pop slices in a toaster oven to restore that lightly toasted exterior and enhance its delightful aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this bread?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any apple you prefer. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples like Fuji will make the bread sweeter overall.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans brings a lovely crunch and deeper flavor. You could also experiment with raisins or shredded coconut for extra texture and taste.

How do I make sure the bread doesn’t dry out?

Using oil or melted butter keeps the bread moist, and not overmixing the batter helps prevent toughness. Also, make sure not to overbake — a toothpick test is your best guide to doneness.

Can I halve the recipe for a smaller loaf?

Yes, you can easily half the ingredients and bake in a smaller loaf pan. Just reduce the baking time and keep a close eye starting around 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Bread isn’t just any bread — it’s a warm, comforting hug baked into every slice. Its tender crumb, juicy apple bits, and cozy cinnamon flavor make it a real crowd-pleaser any time of day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your kitchen and your taste buds. Once you do, I’m sure it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for sharing love through food.

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