Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

There’s a particular kind of comfort that fills a kitchen the moment a loaf of apple cinnamon bread comes out of the oven—the warm, spicy sweetness of cinnamon rising in the air, the faintly caramelized edges, and the tender crumb studded with juicy apple bites. Each slice is a little celebration of texture: a crisp crust gives way to moist, tender bread with gentle pockets of apple and a whisper of cinnamon on the tongue. This recipe smells like fall, tastes like home, and feels like a hug in food form.

If you love apple-forward treats, this loaf sits beautifully alongside other easy desserts and bites; try it after a batch of your favorite apple bars for a full spread or pair it with mini apple crisps for crunch and contrast. Here’s a helpful take on apple bars you might enjoy: apple bars recipe.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10–20 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices (1 loaf)
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner bakers

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 of 10 slices). Values are approximations calculated using USDA FoodData Central nutrient profiles for the ingredients listed and assume the recipe contains 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. If you omit walnuts, calories and fat will be lower.

• Calories: ~343 kcal
• Protein: ~6.1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~43.8 g
  • Sugars (added + natural): ~19–20 g
  • Fiber: ~2.0 g
• Fat: ~16.3 g

Notes on accuracy and sources:

• Nutrient values were estimated from USDA FoodData Central entries for all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, apples, and walnuts. For general guidance on dietary recommendations and portioning, reputable sources include the USDA and Mayo Clinic. These numbers should be used as estimates (actual values vary by ingredient brands and portion sizes).

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe blends a few irresistible things: the aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen, tender bread that holds moist apple pieces without becoming soggy, and straightforward technique—no complicated steps or special equipment. It’s ideal for cozy weekend breakfasts, weekend brunch spreads, potlucks, or as a simple homemade gift when wrapped and tied with twine. The smell alone evokes warmth and nostalgia; share a slice with family or neighbors and watch it become a small tradition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups fresh apples, peeled and diced
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Optional ingredients and substitutions:

• Swap ½ cup vegetable oil for ½ cup unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat (texture will be slightly denser).
• Use 1% or 2% milk instead of whole milk for fewer calories.
• Replace walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for nut-free households.
• For a lighter loaf, substitute 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour for 1 cup of the all-purpose flour.
• For a dairy-free/vegan version, replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, then dust lightly with flour.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. In another bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined.
5. Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix—some small lumps are fine.
6. Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using).
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (avoid large wet batter smears).
9. 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 the batter; overworking gluten results in a tougher loaf.
• If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
• Test doneness with a toothpick in the center; pull out when only a few moist crumbs cling to it.
• For evenly diced apples, cut into uniform 1/3-inch pieces so they distribute evenly through the loaf.

Best Pairings

• Plain, toasted lightly and spread with butter for breakfast.
• Slather with cream cheese or mascarpone for a slightly tangy contrast.
• Serve alongside a mug of strong coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider.
• Cut into cubes and use as the base for an autumnal bread pudding or French toast.
• Add a smear of apple butter or honey for extra sweetness.

Shelf Life & Storage

• Room temperature: Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or briefly warm slices before serving for best texture.
• Freezer: Wrap loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours.

Chef’s Advice

• Best apples: Use a firm, slightly tart apple that holds shape when baked—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work particularly well.
• Texture balance: Dice apples small enough to stay suspended in the batter but not so small they melt into the crumb—about 1/3 inch.
• Spice layering: For more depth, add a 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the dry mix, or cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a light crust.
• Doneness cues: Use both color (golden-brown top) and the toothpick test; because apples add moisture, a few moist crumbs are normal—avoid heavy wet batter on the toothpick.

Creative Twists

• Vegan & Dairy-Free: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water), use plant-based milk, and swap oil for coconut or keep vegetable oil—texture remains moist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (check for xanthan gum included) and add an extra 2–3 minutes of baking time; expect a slightly different crumb.
• Streusel-Topped Apple Cinnamon Bread: Combine ¼ cup flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp cold butter, and 1 tbsp chopped nuts to sprinkle on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
• Caramel Swirl: Fold 1/3 cup thick caramel sauce into half the batter, layer in pan with plain batter, and swirl with a knife for a caramel-apple loaf.
• For a crunchier, apple-crisp-inspired finish, sprinkle oats and brown sugar on top and bake; this riff pairs well with crisp textures like in this apple crisp bites idea: apple crisp bites recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: Yes—thaw and drain excess liquid before folding them into the batter to avoid extra moisture.

Q: My loaf is wet in the center but cooked at the edges. What happened?
A: Likely underbaked. Try tenting with foil after the top browns and bake an additional 10–15 minutes. Oven temperatures vary—use a toothpick test.

Q: How can I reduce sugar without losing flavor?
A: Replace up to half the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like pure maple syrup (reduce liquid by ~1–2 tbsp) or use ¾ cup sugar + ¼ cup brown sugar for deeper flavor with slightly less total sugar.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes—double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans to ensure even baking. One very deep pan may require much longer baking and uneven doneness.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes—cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

This apple cinnamon bread is a forgiving, comforting loaf that’s as welcome on holiday mornings as it is on quiet weekdays. It showcases the simple pleasures of seasonal fruit and warm spices while remaining approachable for bakers of any level. If you’d like a slightly different take or more inspiration, check out a classic variation from Homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe – Erhardts Eat and another creative version at Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe – OMG Chocolate Desserts.

Try the loaf this weekend, share a slice with someone you love, and tell me how it turned out—photos and tasting notes are always welcome.