Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy and delicious, this Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. I absolutely love how this bread turns out—moist, perfectly spiced, and packed with sweet apple chunks. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple treat, you’ll find that this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and totally satisfying. Stick with me because I’m about to share all my best tips and tricks to help you nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
  • Foolproof Steps: Even if you’re new to baking, the instructions are easy to follow for guaranteed success.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The cinnamon spice perfectly complements the sweet, tender apples for a comforting treat.
  • Versatile and Delicious: Enjoy it fresh, toasted, or with a pat of butter for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe works together to create a rich texture and balanced flavor. I like to choose a slightly tart apple variety like Granny Smith to add a fresh kick, but Fuji or Gala apples work beautifully too.

  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes; packed for accurate sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Use good quality cinnamon to get that warm, cozy flavor.
  • Apple: Peeled and chopped small so each bite has soft, tender chunks.
  • Granulated White Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Salted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and richness.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and moisture—don’t skip or substitute lightly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and gives a lovely warmth.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Perfect for a tender yet stable bread texture.
  • Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
  • Sea Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of this Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is in its versatility—I love switching things up depending on the season or mood. Feel free to make it your own!

  • Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a delightful crunch—I’ve found it balances the softness of the apples perfectly.
  • Gluten-Free: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be mindful of baking times—check with a toothpick.
  • Spiced Up: A pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves can add extra warmth if you want a more fall-inspired flavor.
  • Mini Loaves: My family loves mini versions for gift-giving and portion control; just reduce the bake time accordingly.

How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar and Prepare Apples

Start by combining your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl—this will be your sweet, spiced layer inside the bread. Then, peel and chop your apple into small cubes. I like to keep my pieces fairly uniform so they cook evenly and don’t sink to the bottom. Set both bowls aside for layering later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, soften your butter and mix it with the granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer on low to medium speed. The mixture will look grainy and chunky—that’s totally normal. This creaming process traps air, helping the bread rise nicely.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add eggs and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Continue mixing gently until the batter becomes smooth and soupy, with no large chunks of butter remaining. This step ensures your bread has a tender crumb and rich flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Now, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add them to the wet batter. Stir until combined but don’t overmix—you want to avoid a tough texture. Finally, stir in the milk with a spoon until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Layer the Batter with Apples and Cinnamon Sugar

Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan well, then pour in half the batter. Sprinkle half the chopped apples evenly over the batter, followed by half the brown sugar cinnamon mixture. Repeat those layers one more time with the remaining ingredients. This layering creates a beautiful swirl of flavor and texture inside the bread.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the bread on the center rack at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes. Keep a close eye towards the end—insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re ready! Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it. This resting time helps it set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with a little butter if you like—I promise it’s heavenly.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

  • Apple Variety Matters: I discovered Fuji apples add sweetness, while Granny Smith adds a tart contrast—pick what suits your taste best.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: I used to overmix and end up with tough bread; now I mix just until combined for a tender texture.
  • Layering Is Key: The alternating layers of batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar create lovely pockets of flavor—don’t skip this step!
  • Check Your Oven Temperature: Sometimes ovens run hot or cold, so I recommend checking at 50 minutes and adjusting bake time accordingly to avoid dryness.

How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

The image shows a close-up of two thick slices of a light-colored cake with a soft, moist texture and swirls of dark brown cinnamon. The top layer has large chunks of apple and a crumbly dark cinnamon sugar topping spreading unevenly across the surface. The cake rests on a white plate with a wooden serving board underneath, placed on a white marbled surface. Crumbs are scattered around the slices adding a rustic touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little cinnamon sugar on top of a warm slice, or drizzling a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Some days, a simple smear of butter is all it needs to make it irresistible. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream can jazz it up too if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This bread is fantastic with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea. For a more substantial snack or breakfast, pair it with scrambled eggs or a cheese platter. My family goes crazy when I serve this alongside warm mulled cider in the fall.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve wrapped individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine as cute gifts. You could also serve it sliced on a wooden board with little bowls of honey, butter, and nut butter for a lovely brunch spread. Mini loaf versions make charming party favors too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover apple cinnamon bread at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It keeps perfectly for up to a week. I genuinely enjoy it just as much the next day, especially warmed slightly or toasted with butter.

Freezing

Freezing slices is a game changer! I wrap each slice individually in cling wrap, then foil, and pop them in a freezer bag. This method keeps the bread fresh for up to three months. When I want to enjoy some, I just thaw at room temperature or microwave gently until warm—just like fresh-baked.

Reheating

For reheating, a quick toast or a short spin in the microwave (about 15 seconds) works wonders. You’ll get that delightful softness and aroma all over again. If you’re serving multiple slices, warming them in a low oven wrapped in foil is a nice way to keep them moist.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of apple?

    Absolutely! Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith are all great options. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will make the bread more sugary, while tart apples add a nice contrast. You can even mix varieties for a more complex flavor.

  2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and swap the milk for a plant-based version like almond or oat milk. Just make sure the milk substitution is unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.

  3. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

    The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Also, the top of the bread should be golden brown and spring back lightly when pressed.

  4. Can I make this bread into muffins?

    Definitely! Use a muffin tin and adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. The batter works well in individual portions and makes for great grab-and-go snacks.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it feels like a warm hug in bread form. Whenever I bake it, the whole kitchen fills with the comforting scent of cinnamon and baked apples, and my family is instantly drawn to the table. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a tasty, simple bread that brightens your day and impresses without fuss. Give it a try—I promise you’ll keep coming back for more!

Print
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Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Quick Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread featuring layers of sweet apples and cinnamon sugar. Perfectly spiced and tender, it’s great for breakfast, snack, or dessert, and simple enough for bakers of all levels. The recipe uses fresh apples and warm cinnamon, baked to a golden crust that slices beautifully.


Ingredients

Scale

Apple Cinnamon Mixture

  • ½ Cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon

Apple

  • 1 Large Apple (Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith work well), peeled and chopped into small pieces

Batter

  • ⅔ Cup Granulated White Sugar
  • ½ Cup Salted Butter (softened)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 Pinch Sea Salt
  • ½ Cup Milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly, then set aside for layering.
  2. Prepare Apples: Peel and chop the apple into small pieces and place in a separate bowl, setting aside for assembly.
  3. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer on low to medium speed to cream together the softened butter and granulated white sugar until grainy and chunky.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: To the butter-sugar mixture, add eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix on low to medium speed until the batter becomes soupy and smooth with no large chunks.
  5. Add Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt to the wet mixture and stir to combine. Then, pour in the milk and gently stir with a spoon until fully incorporated.
  6. Layer Bread Batter: Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan lightly. Pour half of the batter into the pan, then sprinkle half of the chopped apples over the batter. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar mixture.
  7. Bake: Place the loaf pan on the center rack of a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then remove from the pan and slice. Serve warm on its own or with butter for a delicious treat.

Notes

  • Leftover Storage: Store the bread at room temperature, covered, for up to 1 week. It tastes great warmed up or with butter.
  • Freezer Option: Wrap bread tightly in cling wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature or microwave until warmed before eating.
  • Mini Loaves: To make mini loaves, use 5.75 x 3 inch pans and reduce bake time to 25-30 minutes. This recipe yields three mini loaves with this pan size.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of loaf)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 19g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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