Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warmest, most inviting aroma imaginable. This cinnamon apple bread recipe is the perfect embodiment of cozy comfort, delivering a wonderfully moist crumb, chunks of tender apple, and a dreamy cinnamon swirl in every single slice. It’s incredibly simple to make and is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Forget dry, bland quick breads; this is the only guide you’ll ever need for a perfect loaf, every time.
Why This Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is a Keeper
This isn’t just another apple bread recipe. Here’s why you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again:
Incredibly Moist Crumb: We use specific ingredients and techniques to ensure the bread stays tender and moist for days.
Perfect Cinnamon Swirl: A dedicated cinnamon-sugar layer creates a beautiful swirl and a pocket of gooey, spiced perfection.
Full of Real Apple Flavor: Packed with a cup and a half of fresh, diced apples, you get delicious fruit flavor in every bite.
Easy for All Skill Levels: With clear, simple steps, this recipe is straightforward enough for even beginner bakers to master.
Layering the batter with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar creates the perfect swirl.
The Perfect Apples for Baking
The type of apple you choose can make a big difference in your cinnamon apple bread. You want a firm apple that will hold its shape during baking and offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy.
Our Top Picks:
Granny Smith: The classic baking apple. Its firm texture and tartness provide a perfect contrast to the sweet bread.
Honeycrisp: A fan favorite for its crisp, juicy texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Braeburn: Firm and crisp with a complex, spicy-sweet flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
For best results, use a combination of two different types to create a more complex and delightful flavor profile!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple pantry staples to create its magical flavor and texture. At its core, you’ll be combining basic dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and leavening agents with wet ingredients like eggs and oil. The stars of the show, of course, are the fresh apples and warm cinnamon, which come together to make this loaf truly special. We’ll also whip up a simple vanilla glaze to drizzle on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect loaf. The key is to combine the wet and dry ingredients gently, being careful not to overmix the batter.
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl layer. Set this aside for a moment.
2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until they are well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. It’s important not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Gently fold in the diced apples.
Look at that incredibly moist crumb and those tender chunks of apple!
3. Assemble the Loaf and Bake
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread it to the edges. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Add the Glaze
Once the bread is completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the loaf, let it set for a few minutes, and then slice and serve.
Tips for the Absolute Best Apple Bread
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense bread. Mix only until the flour is just combined.
Dice Apples Uniformly: Try to cut your apples into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) to ensure they cook through evenly and are well-distributed.
Check for Doneness Correctly: Ovens can vary. Start checking the bread at the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t done, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy making our award-winning pumpkin pie, another fall favorite.
How to Store Your Bread
Proper storage is key to keeping your cinnamon apple bread moist and delicious.
At Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions: This bread freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap the entire loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
The best apples are firm and hold their shape well during baking. We recommend using Granny Smith for tartness, or Honeycrisp and Braeburn for a wonderful sweet-tart balance.
The key to moist apple bread is using oil for fat and being careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to a tougher, drier texture. Proper storage in an airtight container also helps retain moisture.
Absolutely! This recipe includes a simple vanilla glaze. You could also opt for a cream cheese frosting or a crunchy crumble topping made from flour, butter, and brown sugar before baking.
Yes, this bread freezes exceptionally well. Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it securely in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Apple Bread!
There’s nothing better than slicing into a warm loaf of homemade cinnamon apple bread. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a simple dessert. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you make it, we’d love to see. Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest!
The only cinnamon apple bread recipe you'll ever need!
Cinnamon Apple Bread
FL Recipes
Cinnamon Apple Bread: The Coziest, Moistest Loaf You’ll Ever Bake
This easy cinnamon apple bread recipe delivers a wonderfully moist crumb, chunks of tender apple, and a dreamy cinnamon swirl. The perfect cozy and comforting baked treat for breakfast or dessert.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
Top with the remaining batter and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cool, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle over the bread, let it set, then serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcalProtein: 3gFat: 11gFiber: 2g
Notes
For best results, use firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread. The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keyword apple bread,cinnamon apple bread,moist apple bread
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
