This Cinnamon Apple Bread is the perfect way to welcome fall! Packed with tender chunks of fresh apples, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a buttery crumble, this bread is moist, flavorful, and the ultimate cozy treat. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, this apple bread is easy to make and fills your home with the comforting smell of cinnamon and apples. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn day!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Moist & Flavorful: Each bite is tender and full of sweet apples and warm cinnamon.
- Perfect for Fall: This bread is packed with the best flavors of the season—apples and cinnamon!
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe perfect for beginners.
- Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of glaze for your own twist.
- Great for Gifting: This bread makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially during the holidays.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 ½ cups (190g / 0.42 lb) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (115g / 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g / 0.33 lb) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 ½ cups (180g / 0.4 lb) peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- ¼ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping (Optional)
- ¼ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (30g / 0.06 lb) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Bread Batter
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. - Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. - Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Layer the Bread
- First Layer:
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. - Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. - Second Layer:
Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out with a spatula.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping (Optional)
- Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Sprinkle the Crumble:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top of the bread batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Bake:
Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. - Cool:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cinnamon apple bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Serve with a spread of butter or enjoy it on its own with a hot cup of coffee or tea!
Notes
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for baking because of their tartness, but any firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji will work.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezer-Friendly: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You can also mix in raisins or dried cranberries.
- Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just note that the bread may be a bit denser.
What other spices can I add?
In addition to cinnamon, you can add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for more warm flavors.
Can I make this bread without the crumble topping?
Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, but the crumble adds a nice texture. If you prefer, you can skip it and still have a fantastic loaf.
How do I keep the bread from becoming too dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy bread.
Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
You can use applesauce for a softer texture, but the bread may not have the same chunkiness and slight tartness from fresh apples.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: If you want a little more moisture and sweetness, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of applesauce to the batter along with the apples.
- Pro Trick: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart. It slices much more cleanly when fully cooled.
- Serving Suggestion: Toast a slice and slather it with butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Turn this bread into muffins by dividing the batter into a lined muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
- Cinnamon Apple Streusel Bread: Add more crumble topping to create a thicker streusel layer for extra crunch.
- Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the bread after it cools for a caramel apple twist.
- Healthy Cinnamon Apple Bread: Replace the butter with coconut oil or applesauce, and use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a healthier version.
- Gluten-Free Apple Bread: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the bread gluten-free.
