Apple Cinnamon Bread

As the season settles in, I find myself drawn to slower evenings at home, a warm kitchen, and something baking in the oven. Fall doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes, pies, cakes, or spending all day in the kitchen. Sometimes a simple loaf of super moist apple cinnamon swirl bread is all you need to make an ordinary day feel a little more special.

Serve apple bread with a cup of coffee for breakfast, or enjoy a slice of super moist banana nut bread or cranberry orange bread with fresh cranberries. They are all fantastic choices.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread

This apple cinnamon bread recipe works because it is light, flavorful, moist, and delicious. This quick bread has been on repeat in my house for the last month, and we can’t get enough.

• Easy homemade quick bread. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about yeast or rising time.
• Fresh apple flavor. One finely chopped apple adds tender pieces throughout the loaf.
• Sweet cinnamon-sugar layers. Brown sugar and cinnamon create sweet pockets of flavor and a golden topping.
• Perfect for fall baking. A delicious addition to a weekend breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a fall gathering.
• Make-ahead friendly. Bake ahead and enjoy slices over the next few days, or freeze the loaf for later. Stays moist for days.

Ingredients Needed

• Brown sugar: Packed light brown sugar adds rich sweetness to the cinnamon layers and helps create the topping.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds the familiar warm spice that pairs so well with apples.
• White sugar: Sweetens the bread and, when creamed with the butter, forms the batter base.
• Butter: Use softened butter so it combines smoothly with the sugar.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the loaf structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a little extra flavor to the bread.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for this homemade quick bread.
• Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise. This quick bread uses baking powder, not yeast.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter and helps bring everything together.
• Apple: One large apple, peeled and finely chopped, adds little pieces of apple to each slice. Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Gala, and Fuji are all good options.

Recipe Variations

• Add Chopped Nuts: Stir in a few chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Make Mini Loaves: Make smaller loaves for gift giving.
• Add a Simple Glaze: Drizzle the cooled loaf with a powdered sugar glaze.
• Serve it Warm: Warm slightly and add a pat of butter on top.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread

This easy recipe comes together and goes into the oven in no time. Your house will smell amazing. My husband walked through the front door and made a beeline to the kitchen to find out what smelled so delicious.

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix the cinnamon sugar. Combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar. In a stand mixer, beat the white sugar and softened butter until well combined.

Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract on medium speed until combined.

Step 5: Finish the batter. Add the flour and baking powder, followed by the milk. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Layer the batter and apples. Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add half of the chopped apples, gently pressing them into the batter, then sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 7: Add the remaining layers. Spread the remaining batter over the first layer. Add the remaining apples and cinnamon sugar.

Step 8: Swirl the topping. Gently press the topping into the batter with the back of a spoon. Use a butter knife to make a few figure-eight swirls through the batter to distribute some of the cinnamon sugar.

Step 9: Bake the bread. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool before slicing. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool before slicing so the loaf holds together.

Recipe Tips

What apples work best for apple cinnamon bread?

Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Gala, and Fuji are all good options.

• Granny Smith: Tart and firm, which contrasts nicely with the sweet cinnamon sugar.
• Pink Lady: A balance of sweet and tart with a firm texture.
• Gala: Mildly sweet and easy to find.
• Fuji: Sweet and crisp, a good option if you prefer a sweeter loaf.

How to Store Apple Cinnamon Bread

• At room temperature: Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store it covered for up to 1 week. The refrigerator may make the bread a little firmer, so let a slice come to room temperature or warm it briefly before serving.
• Freezer: Let the loaf cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving. I also like to slice the bread, wrap each piece, and freeze. This makes a great grab-and-go for the lunchbox.