Cinnamon Apple Bread

Few things feel cozier than the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven, and this Cinnamon Apple Bread brings that comfort straight to your kitchen. It’s a recipe I come back to every fall—and honestly, year-round—because it’s the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and soft with a tender crumb. Whether you’re slicing it up for breakfast, enjoying it as an afternoon treat, or wrapping it in parchment to gift, this loaf never disappoints.

What I love about this recipe is how simple yet satisfying it is. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, just a bowl, a spoon, and a few pantry staples. The apples keep it incredibly moist, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl adds that beautiful warm flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. And the glaze? Optional, but highly recommended.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread

This bread hits the perfect balance between cozy and convenient. It’s quick to mix up, bakes beautifully, and smells like a warm hug. The apple chunks melt into the batter for juicy bites, and the cinnamon brings all the fall vibes. It also stores well, so you can enjoy it over a few days—or freeze a loaf for later.

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What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

I always go for a firmer, slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape during baking and contrast nicely with the sweetness of the batter. But if you’ve got Gala or Fuji on hand, they work too—just keep in mind they’ll soften more.

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Options for Substitutions

Want to make it a bit healthier? Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. Avoiding dairy? Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture, or toss in a handful of raisins for a sweet surprise. If you’re out of fresh apples, unsweetened applesauce can step in—but the texture will be softer and more cake-like.

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Ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple Bread

• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the bread. It keeps the crumb light while providing enough stability to hold the moisture from the apples.
• Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise and become fluffy. It reacts with the acid from the apples and any dairy used.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers that warm, spicy depth that defines the flavor profile.
• Nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle, earthy spice that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps with the texture and browning.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the richness and structure.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the bread soft.
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Loosens the batter and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds aroma.
• Chopped apples: The star of the show—adds moisture, sweetness, and texture in every bite.
• Powdered sugar + milk (for glaze): Creates a sweet finish drizzled on top after baking.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal easy.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before combining with wet ingredients.

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Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

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Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it can lead to a dense loaf.

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Step 5: Fold in Apples

Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter. Try to distribute them evenly so each slice gets a good amount.

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Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl (Optional but Delicious)

Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar, add the remaining batter, and top with the rest of the sugar. Swirl lightly with a knife.

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Step 7: Bake

Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.

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Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk to make the glaze, then drizzle it generously over the top.

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How Long to Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Bread

Prep Time: You’ll need about 15–20 minutes to prep everything. That includes peeling and chopping the apples, measuring your ingredients, and mixing the batter. If you opt to do the cinnamon sugar swirl and glaze, add an extra 5 minutes for those steps.

Bake Time: The bread takes about 50–60 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). It’s best to check at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Let the loaf cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Apple Bread

• Use room-temperature eggs and milk so they incorporate smoothly into the batter.
• Dice the apples small and evenly for consistent texture and moisture throughout the loaf.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients—mix just until no flour streaks remain.
• Let the bread cool completely before glazing so the icing doesn’t melt off.
• If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a pinch more cinnamon to both the batter and topping.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too juicy apples: They can make the bread soggy. Stick to firm varieties.
• Overbaking: This leads to a dry loaf. Always check early to avoid this.
• Too much flour: Scooping flour straight from the bag packs it down. Spoon and level it instead.
• Not greasing the pan well: This makes the loaf hard to remove. Use butter or parchment.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting the bread too soon can cause it to fall apart or taste gummy.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Apple Bread?

1. Hot Apple Cider

The warm spices in cider pair beautifully with the cinnamon notes in the bread.

2. Vanilla Yogurt

A dollop of creamy yogurt makes this a well-rounded breakfast or snack.

3. Coffee or Chai Latte

These beverages highlight the cozy spice flavors and add warmth to your plate.

4. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

It may sound surprising, but a slice of cheese offers a salty counterbalance that really works.

5. Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

Turn it into dessert with a touch of indulgence—perfect for after dinner.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. A bread box or airtight container also works well.

Refrigerator: If you want it to last longer (about 5–6 days), refrigerate it. Just be sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole loaf. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per slice, based on 10 slices total)

• Calories: ~210
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different, but it works.

What’s the best way to reheat a slice?

Microwave a slice for about 15–20 seconds or toast it lightly. Add a pat of butter for extra comfort.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness.

Should I peel the apples?

I recommend peeling them for a smoother texture, but it’s totally optional if you prefer more texture or are in a hurry.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Bread is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly day. It’s full of rich, spiced flavors, soft apple chunks, and a golden crust that makes each bite memorable. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, breakfast, or simple dessert, this loaf brings comfort and joy to the table. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable and easy enough for any home baker to master. You’re going to want to make this again and again.

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