If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced treat that feels like autumn in every bite, this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, moist bread dotted with juicy bits of crisp apple and a swirl of fragrant cinnamon that fills your kitchen as it bakes. This delightful bread is the perfect blend of sweet and spiced, making it wonderful for breakfast, a snack, or even a comforting dessert. Once you dive into this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite homemade bakes to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe couldn’t be simpler, but each one plays a vital role in creating the bread’s incredible texture, flavor, and aroma. From the richness of butter and sugars to the fresh crunch of apples and warm spices, every element comes together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure for a tender, soft bread crumb.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that brings warmth and depth to the bread.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, nutty undertone to complement the cinnamon.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Ensures moistness and rich flavor in each slice.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the bread with a clean, classic sugar taste.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds a hint of caramel-like depth and extra moisture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bread’s structure.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Gives the batter a smooth consistency and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely aromatic lift to the flavor profile.
- Chopped apples (2 cups): Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for fresh bursts of sweetness and texture.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty richness if you like.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously and line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. This simple step helps ensure your bread bakes evenly and slips out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Combining these upfront ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in consistent flavor and texture throughout your Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and inviting. This process traps air, helping the bread develop a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Beat in eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then blend in the milk and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and depth, creating a smooth batter ready for the dry mix.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so a light hand here keeps it soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped apples and optional nuts, evenly distributing them without breaking up the pieces. These fresh apples are what take this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, offering bursts of juiciness and texture in every slice.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. After baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets flavors settle and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is how easy it is to dress up a slice. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. For extra indulgence, a smear of cream cheese or a pat of melting butter brings out the cozy spices and highlights the bread’s moist texture.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for breakfast. If serving as a dessert, complement it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. On the savory side, crisp bacon or a sharp cheddar cheese make for delightfully unexpected contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice thick for a hearty snack, or cut into smaller cubes for a playful bread pudding that showcases your Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe in a new light. You can even turn leftovers into French toast, enhancing the cinnamon and apple flavors for a cozy weekend brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cinnamon Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves its moist crumb and prevents it from drying out too quickly, so you can savor it as if it’s freshly baked.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully when wrapped securely in foil or placed in an airtight container. Freeze individually sliced pieces or the whole loaf for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm gently before serving.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave until just warm to revive that freshly baked feeling. If you want a crispy edge, try warming it on a skillet with a little butter for a few minutes on each side. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors anew.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great for their tartness and texture, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Just make sure to finely chop them so they integrate well into the batter.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but it’s important to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the structure flour provides. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to keep the bread moist?
Using both granulated and brown sugar adds moisture, and incorporating softened butter rather than melted keeps the crumb tender. Also, don’t overbake; start checking around 55 minutes to avoid drying out the bread.
Can I add other spices to the Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for more complexity. Just be careful not to overpower the cinnamon and apple flavors that make this bread so special.
How long will the bread stay fresh?
If stored properly at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, preserving the flavor and texture for several months.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting charm of a freshly baked loaf of this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, packed with warm spices and fresh apples, and guaranteed to bring smiles at breakfast or snack time. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, bake a loaf, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a little slice of homemade happiness today.
Print
Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and loaded with tender chunks of apple and optional nuts, it boasts a moist crumb and comforting flavors. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this bread captures the essence of cozy fall baking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes using a mixer.
- Add Eggs and Liquids: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them. Then add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing the batter until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the finely chopped apples and optional chopped walnuts or pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the prepared batter into your lined loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the batter before baking for a sweet, crunchy crust.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content and add a nuttier flavor.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices in an airtight container for longer storage.
