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
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.
Notes
- The bread tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for longer freshness if needed.
- You can freeze individual slices for convenient breakfasts or snacks later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American