If you have a soft spot for cozy flavors that wrap around you like a warm hug, this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, moist bread swirled with fragrant cinnamon and juicy, sweet-tart apples that burst in every bite, finished with a perfectly crisp, sugary crust. It’s the kind of bread that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and tastes like fall in loaf form. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe delivers warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of sweetness all at once.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe starts with simple ingredients that work together to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each element serves a purpose, from the tender crumb to the vibrant apple chunks that add moisture and freshness.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your bread, providing a tender yet sturdy crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise, keeping it light and fluffy throughout.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this bread its signature warm, aromatic flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of earthiness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings rich moisture while keeping the flavor rich and buttery.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a lovely crust.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Offers deeper molasses notes and extra moisture to the bread.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together while lending a tender texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the spices.
1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture, helping to create a soft, luscious crumb.
1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Bursting with fresh flavor and juiciness, these apples bring the bread to life.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar or extra brown sugar for topping: Sprinkled on top, it creates a sweet, crunchy finish that’s pure perfection.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan measuring 9×5 inches or simply line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This prep will ensure your bread comes out clean and intact, with beautiful edges perfect for slicing.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This dry mix combines the leavening and spices evenly, so every bite has a balanced burst of flavor. Whisking also prevents clumps for a smooth batter texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, blend the melted butter with both sugars—granulated and brown—until they’re well incorporated. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring the mixture until it’s luxuriously smooth and creamy. Finally, stir in the milk to add moisture and richness.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, gently folding everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the bread to stay tender, not dense. Then fold in the diced apples and nuts, if using, for juicy bites and that delightful crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar or extra brown sugar over the surface for a sweet, crunchy crust. Place in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread shines on its own, but a little extra flair never hurts. Consider spreading a pat of butter that melts into the warm, spiced bread or a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist. A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top also enhances the visual appeal and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with a hot beverage like freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or apple cider to complement the cinnamon and apple notes. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a creamy soup or a simple yogurt bowl to balance sweetness and boost nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not dress it up a little? Slice the bread thickly and toast it lightly for breakfast, then top with sliced bananas and honey or almond butter. Or cube it into croutons to add to an autumn-inspired salad. You can even transform leftover slices into French toast for a weekend brunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your Cinnamon Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. It will last at room temperature for up to three days without losing its moist texture. For longer storage, the refrigerator is your friend, keeping it fresh for about a week.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slices directly in the toaster oven.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, place slices in the toaster or warm in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. The heat helps revive the spicy aroma and soft texture that make this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe so comforting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and firmness, other crisp apples like Fuji or Gala can work nicely. Just be sure to choose apples that hold up well without becoming mushy.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, so choosing a blend with xanthan gum or another binding agent is best.

Can I skip the nuts in the recipe?

Definitely. The nuts add crunch and a hint of earthiness, but leaving them out won’t compromise the flavor or overall deliciousness of the bread, especially if someone has nut allergies.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The best test is the classic toothpick method: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked. Overbaking can dry it out, so keep an eye close to the end of the baking time.

Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?

Yes, doubling the recipe works great. Just be sure to use two loaf pans to ensure even baking or increase baking time slightly if baking in one larger pan, checking doneness regularly.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is a true labor of love that fills your home with warmth and your belly with joy. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, whether for a comforting breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat. Give yourself the gift of cozy flavors and effortless baking—this bread is ready to become your new favorite.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

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4 from 86 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for fall. Made with fresh diced apples, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a crunchy turbinado sugar topping, it’s a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The combination of brown and granulated sugars along with chopped nuts adds depth and texture, making every bite a cozy autumn indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk

Add-ins

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Topping

1 tablespoon turbinado sugar or extra brown sugar

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Instructions

Prep the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform. Stir in the milk to loosen the mixture.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the peeled and diced apples along with the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar or extra brown sugar to create a sweet, crunchy crust during baking.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps the bread set properly.