Discover this simple cinnamon apple bread recipe, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. It’s perfectly moist, bursting with warm fall flavors, and quick to bake. This delightful cinnamon apple bread is ideal for any occasion, from breakfast to an afternoon snack. Get ready to bake a comforting, family-favorite apple bread recipe that everyone will adore.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread
This delightful cinnamon apple bread comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Effortless baking: Simple steps guide you through, ensuring minimum fuss and stress-free preparation.
- Ready in under an hour: Enjoy fresh, homemade goodness quickly, perfect for spontaneous baking.
- Incredibly moist texture: The finished apple cinnamon bread boasts a tender crumb with rich, flavorful apple chunks throughout.
- Packed with fall flavor: Sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice create an irresistible aroma and taste.
- Versatile treat: Enjoy this delicious loaf for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake a batch ahead of time and store slices to enjoy whenever a craving strikes.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your moist and flavorful homemade cinnamon apple bread. Always use fresh, high-quality items for the best results.
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar, packed
- ⅔ Cup Granulated White Sugar
- ½ Cup Salted Butter, softened
- 2 Eggs
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Milk
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 Pinch Sea Salt
- Apple and Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Components:
- 1 Large Apple (Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith work well)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
Notes & Substitutions
Using the right apples is key for the best cinnamon apple bread.
- Apples: Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith are recommended for their firm texture and tart-sweet flavor (you’ll need about 1.5 cups chopped). They hold their shape well during baking. For bakers seeking optimal texture and flavor, it’s helpful to review recommended apple varieties for baking.
- Flour: You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for dietary needs.
- Sugar: Feel free to use healthier sugar substitutes like Monkfruit or erythritol blends if you prefer. Adjust to taste.
- Milk: Any milk works in this recipe; use almond, soy, or cow’s milk based on your preference.
- Butter: Salted butter adds a subtle flavor depth, but unsalted butter is fine too. If using unsalted, add an extra pinch of salt to the dry ingredients.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe, making it perfect for beginners.
- Essential: Mixing bowls (large and small), a hand or stand mixer, and a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Optional: Parchment paper for easy removal, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a whisk.
Instructions For The Best Cinnamon Apple Bread
You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying warm slices of homemade cinnamon apple bread. Follow these clear instructions for a perfect loaf every time.
Prep Steps
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir them together until well mixed, then set this aromatic blend aside.
- Chop the apple: Remove the peel from your chosen apple and chop it into small, uniform pieces. Place the chopped apple in a separate bowl and set it aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, combine the softened salted butter and granulated white sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer on low to medium speed to combine them. The mixture will initially be grainy and chunky.
- Add eggs and vanilla: To the same large bowl, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Continue mixing on low to medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and no large chunks of butter remain. It should have a soupy consistency.
- Mix in dry ingredients and milk: Next, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt into the bowl. Gently stir to combine these dry ingredients. Finally, pour in the milk and continue to stir with a spoon until everything is just incorporated and a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.
Baking Steps
- Prepare the loaf pan: Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly. For easier removal, you can line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides.
- Layer the ingredients: Pour half of the prepared batter into the bottom of the greased loaf pan. Evenly top this layer with half of the chopped apples. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the apples.
- Repeat layering: Carefully repeat the layering process one more time. Add the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the chopped apples, and finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Bake the bread: Place the apple bread in the oven on the center rack, preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Check for doneness: To ensure your bread is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean when the bread is ready.
- Cool before slicing: Once finished baking, remove the pan from the oven and let the bread stand in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows it to set. Then, carefully remove it from the pan, slice, and enjoy warm, on its own or with a pat of butter.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect cinnamon apple bread every time with these helpful hints.
- Perfectly Moist Bread: Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dry loaf. Understanding the science behind baking can enhance your results, as explained by King Arthur Baking regarding how overmixing affects gluten development. Mix just until combined.
- Apple Choice: Use firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture and flavor. Softer apples can become mushy.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so adjust your baking time as needed. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Prevent Sinking: Ensure all your cold ingredients (eggs, milk, butter) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter emulsify properly and rise evenly.
- Golden Brown Top: If the top of your loaf is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. A perfectly baked apple bread should have a beautiful golden-brown top.
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then on a wire rack. This prevents it from falling apart when slicing.
Serving, Storing & Variations
This versatile apple cinnamon bread is delicious in many ways and keeps well for future enjoyment.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your freshly baked cinnamon apple bread warm, plain, or with a spread of butter. It’s also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a more decadent treat.
- Storage: Store your delicious cinnamon apple bread covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps it moist and fresh.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the cooled loaf, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic cling wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Defrost frozen slices at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. You can also toast slices for a delightful crunch.
- Mini Loaves: For smaller portions, divide the batter among three mini (5.75×3 inch) loaf pans. Adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness.
- Add-ins: Elevate your loaf by adding chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), raisins, or white chocolate chips to the batter before layering. This makes your cinnamon apple bread even better.
- Glaze: For an extra touch, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Nutrition
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delightful quick bread.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 Slice |
| Calories | 342 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Fat | 13.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
| Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Sugar | 33.2 g |
Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cinnamon apple bread be frozen?
Yes, this cinnamon apple bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What are the best apples for baking bread?
Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples are recommended for this delightful apple bread. They hold their shape well and provide a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
How do I prevent my quick bread from sinking in the middle?
Making a perfect quick bread means ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature, avoiding overmixing the batter, and verifying your oven temperature is accurate.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This bread bakes quickly, so you can easily prepare it the day before. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment.
Conclusion
This easy cinnamon apple bread recipe is a true winner, combining simple steps with incredible flavor. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginner bakers, promising a moist, aromatic loaf that will fill your home with comforting scents. Whip up this incredible cinnamon apple bread today for a taste of fall in every bite.
We encourage you to try this perfect fall recipe, share your comments, rate it, and enjoy! Your homemade cinnamon apple bread will quickly become a cherished family recipe.
Cinnamon Apple Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Set aside.
- Peel and chop the apple into small, even pieces. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until grainy but combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and soupy in texture.
- Add flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix until just combined. Stir in milk to form a smooth batter.
- Pour half the batter into loaf pan. Layer with half the apples and half the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Repeat layers: remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar on top.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use firm apples like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith.
- Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix and rise properly.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid a dense loaf.
- Tent with foil if the top browns too fast.
- Optional glaze: mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp milk or cider.
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