Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Introduction

Imagine a loaf coming out of the oven with a crackling, golden crust and the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon curling through your kitchen. The first slice releases steamy apple-scented air; the crumb is tender and slightly moist, dotted with soft, sweet apple pieces and the occasional crunchy walnut. One bite balances buttery sweetness, gentle apple tartness, and a comforting cinnamon finish that melts into a cup of coffee or tea.

This apple cinnamon bread is one of those recipes that feels like a small ritual: perfect for cozy weekend mornings, gift-giving during the holidays, potlucks and family gatherings, or as a simple afternoon pick-me-up. If you want more ideas for similar fruit-forward quick breads, check this detailed guide to apple cinnamon loaf variations that inspired today’s approach: apple cinnamon bread recipe inspiration.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10–15 minutes (including cooling)
• Servings: 10 slices
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for bakers of all levels

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition per serving (one slice; recipe yields ~10 slices). Values are estimates calculated from ingredient totals using USDA FoodData Central reference values and rounded for clarity.

• Calories: ~340 kcal
• Protein: ~6 g
• Carbohydrates: ~43 g
• Fat: ~17 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
• Sodium: depends on added salt; approximately 120–200 mg

Notes on accuracy: These figures are estimates based on USDA food composition data (FoodData Central). Actual nutrition will vary by brand, exact apple size, milk fat level, and whether walnuts are included. For individualized nutrition guidance, consult resources like the CDC or a registered dietitian.

Why You’ll Love It

• Aroma and comfort: The cinnamon-forward scent is instantly comforting and homey.
• Family memories: This bread evokes nostalgic mornings, holiday kitchens, and the pleasure of sharing homemade treats.
• Quick and forgiving: It comes together in one bowl (plus a small bowl for wet ingredients) and doesn’t require yeast or long rises—ideal for busy bakers.
• Seasonal and versatile: Use crisp autumn apples for a fall loaf or swap apples for pears in winter. The recipe is flexible for dietary tweaks and flavor add-ins.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (2% recommended; whole milk or plant milk may be used)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups fresh apples, peeled and diced (about 1–2 medium apples)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• Swap up to ½ cup of flour with whole-wheat pastry flour for more fiber.
• Replace granulated sugar with ¾ cup brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor (or ⅔ cup coconut sugar).
• Use ½ cup applesauce plus 2–3 tablespoons oil to reduce added fat.
• For a dairy-free loaf, use unsweetened almond or oat milk.
• Omit walnuts for a nut-free loaf, or replace with pecans or sunflower seeds.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, then dust lightly with flour.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. In another bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine.
5. Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
8. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Practical tips

• Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender; overworked batter = dense loaf.
• If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 30–40 minutes.
• Use firm, crisp apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala) so pieces hold texture.
• If using particularly juicy apples, toss diced pieces in a teaspoon of flour before folding in to prevent sinking.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve plain to fully enjoy the bread’s tender crumb and apple pockets.
• Spread with a thin layer of softened butter, honey butter, or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Serve slightly warm with coffee, black tea, or a chai latte for complementary spice notes.
• Turn slices into breakfast: top with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup, or pair with sharp cheddar for a savory-sweet contrast.
• Toast individual slices lightly and add a smear of almond butter and thin apple slices for a hearty snack.

Shelf Life & Storage

• Room temperature: Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Because this loaf contains fresh apples, it’s best eaten sooner rather than later.
• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for 4–5 days; bring to room temperature or warm gently before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature; warm gently before serving.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Apple selection matters: Firmer apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn) hold their shape and give pleasant texture; softer apples (McIntosh) will break down more and make the crumb moister.
• Drain excess moisture: If your apple pieces seem juicy, briefly pat them dry or toss in 1 teaspoon of flour to prevent a soggy center.
• Spice layering: Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger to the dry mix for a warmer spice profile.
• Doneness cues: A toothpick with a few moist crumbs is preferable to a completely dry toothpick for a moist quick bread.
• Even slices: For neat presentation, chill the loaf 20–30 minutes before slicing or use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion.

Fun Flavor Ideas

• Maple-Walnut Glaze: After cooling, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 1–2 tablespoons milk until pourable; drizzle over the loaf and sprinkle chopped walnuts.
• Brown Butter & Spice: Brown the vegetable oil substitute with butter (or brown a stick of butter and cool) to add nutty depth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and ¼ teaspoon cardamom for complexity.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, chilled) and use a plant-based milk. Replace oil with coconut oil or keep as-is.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend developed for baking; add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks binder.
• Apple-Cranberry Twist: Fold ½ cup dried cranberries (soaked briefly if hard) into the batter for a tart-sweet contrast. For more portable options, see this complementary apple bar idea: apple bars and related recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
A: Yes—substitute 1:1 with light or dark brown sugar for a moister loaf and caramel notes. You may notice a slightly denser crumb.

Q: How do I stop the apples from making the bread soggy?
A: Use firm apples, pat diced apples dry, and toss them in a teaspoon of flour before folding into the batter. Also avoid overmixing the batter.

Q: Can I make this into muffins?
A: Yes. Line a 12-cup muffin tin and fill ¾ full; bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–22 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.

Q: Is there a healthier version?
A: Reduce oil to ⅓ cup and replace part of the sugar with mashed banana or applesauce. Using whole-wheat pastry flour adds fiber. Keep in mind texture and sweetness will change.

Q: Can I omit nuts?
A: Absolutely. Omit walnuts for a nut-free loaf or swap in toasted oats or seeds for crunch.

Conclusion

If you love warm spices, tender crumb, and the comfort of homemade baking, this apple cinnamon bread is an easy, rewarding loaf to add to your rotation—perfect for breakfasts, gifts, or cozy moments with loved ones. For an alternate take on a classic apple cinnamon loaf and step-by-step photos, you may enjoy this tested version: Homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe – Erhardts Eat. And for more ideas on apple-forward quick breads and seasonal twists, explore this thoughtful bakery-style recipe: Apple Cinnamon Bread | Butternut Bakey.

Try the recipe, leave a comment with your favorite apple variety, and share a photo—I’d love to see how your loaf turns out.