Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Moist and warmly spiced, it features tender apples swirled with cinnamon sugar for a comforting, homestyle flavor.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth and pale, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: On low speed, add half of the flour mixture, then half of the milk, alternating until all is combined. Mix just until smooth.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples. Set aside.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to make the topping. Set aside.
8. Step 8: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly spread half of the apple mixture over the batter. Swirl lightly with a knife or skewer, being careful not to overmix.
9. Step 9: Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer, then top with the remaining apple mixture. Swirl again a few times in both directions. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the surface.
10. Step 10: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, due to the soft apples.
11. Step 11: Remove the bread from the oven and cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes.
12. Step 12: While cooling, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and water to make the glaze.
13. Step 13: Remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a cooling rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread and allow it to set before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• For a nutty crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture.
• Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different aroma and flavor.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use your favorite plant-based milk.

Storage

Store the cinnamon apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or toaster oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh apples for texture and flavor. Frozen apples release more moisture and can make the bread soggy. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before adding.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend formulated for 1-to-1 replacement. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add some to help with texture.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 142 reviews

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Loaded with tender chunks of apple and swirled with cinnamon sugar, it is topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Easy to make and baked to golden perfection, this bread combines warm spices and fresh fruit in every bite.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
• Category: Quick Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1–1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Batter Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

Apple Mixture

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces

Topping

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Glaze

• 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and line a loaf pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
3. Beat butter and sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and pale, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated into the mixture.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding half of the flour mixture and half of the milk to the butter mixture. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk until just combined.
6. Prepare the apple mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped apples with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside this flavorful apple mixture.
7. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon that will be used as a topping later. Set aside.
8. Pour batter into loaf pan and add filling: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the apple mixture evenly over the batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect – be careful not to over mix.
9. Top with remaining batter and apple mixture: Pour the remaining batter on top, then add the remaining apple mixture. Swirl gently again a few times to create layers, then sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the top.
10. Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, due to the apples.
11. Make the glaze: While the bread cools in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, ground cinnamon, and water in a small bowl to make the glaze.
12. Cool and glaze the bread: Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the warm bread and allow it to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Do not over mix the batter once the flour and milk are added to keep the bread tender.
• Peeling the apple helps ensure a smooth texture and prevents tough bits in the bread.
• The swirling of the apple mixture into the batter creates a beautiful marbled effect and enhances flavor distribution.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off entirely.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Cinnamon Apple Bread, Quick Bread, Cinnamon Sugar Swirl, Apple Bread, Sweet Bread, Breakfast Bread