Cinnamon Apple Bread is one of those delightful recipes that instantly fills your kitchen with the sweet scent of apples and warm spices, making it impossible to resist a thick, buttery slice right out of the oven. This comforting loaf is moist, tender, and absolutely loaded with chunks of juicy apple and swirls of cinnamon sugar, offering the perfect harmony of spice and fruit in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or a sweet afternoon treat, this bread shines with nostalgic flavors and homestyle charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Cinnamon Apple Bread is refreshingly simple—nothing fancy or fussy, just the everyday essentials that bring big flavor. Every single component plays a role, from creating a soft crumb to packing in that burst of apple goodness or adding the irresistible spiced swirl right through the loaf.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives the bread just the right texture—soft but sliceable.
- Baking soda: Activates with the acidic ingredients to give lift and lightness.
- Salt: Just a bit to round out the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, delivering that cozy, aromatic warmth throughout the bread and swirl.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds an earthy depth and classic bakery-style undertone.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for richness and a tender crumb—make sure it’s soft for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps the butter work its magic.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings in moisture and hints of toffee flavor in both the bread and the cinnamon swirl.
- Large eggs: Bind all the ingredients and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a mellow sweetness that ties everything together.
- Sour cream: The secret to super-moist, tender crumb—don’t skip it!
- Peeled and finely chopped apples: Choose tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for juicy pops of flavor that won’t turn mushy.
- Extra brown sugar + cinnamon (for the swirl): This duo gets sprinkled and swirled for an irresistibly spiced ribbon throughout the loaf.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Grab a trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your Cinnamon Apple Bread slides out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This quick step guarantees those warm, cozy spices disperse evenly, so every bite is full of flavor rather than pockets of spice.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. It takes a couple of minutes, but this creaming step is crucial—it adds air and helps the bread bake up perfectly soft.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream. These wet ingredients bring richness, keep the bread moist, and add those irresistibly tender bites.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything’s just combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the bread dense, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Using a spatula, fold in the chopped apples. You want the apple pieces to be distributed throughout the batter so that every slice of Cinnamon Apple Bread is studded with sweet, juicy bits.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. This little mixture is about to take your loaf from delicious to downright unforgettable.
Step 8: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Add the rest of the batter, followed by the remaining cinnamon sugar. Take a regular butter knife or skewer and gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter for those signature pockets and ribbons of flavor.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the loaf for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and the kitchen will smell absolutely divine. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread
Garnishes
Dress up your Cinnamon Apple Bread with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a pat of creamy, salted butter for extra indulgence. For a special touch, sprinkle on some finely chopped toasted pecans or a few extra apple slices on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
For a breakfast treat, pair your warm bread with yogurt and a handful of fresh fruit. If you’re serving it as dessert or for brunch, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon whipped cream on the side. A nice hot mug of coffee, chai, or spiced cider is all you need to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn slices into French toast for an unforgettable weekend brunch, or toast them lightly and spread with apple butter. For a festive holiday platter, cut thick cubes of Cinnamon Apple Bread and serve them on a tray with toothpicks and a caramel dipping sauce—everyone loves bite-sized treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cinnamon Apple Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, so you may even find the bread tastes better the next day!
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in both plastic wrap and foil, then tuck into a freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to three months. When you crave a slice, just thaw overnight at room temperature or warm gently from frozen.
Reheating
For that “fresh-baked” warmth, pop slices of Cinnamon Apple Bread into a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through. Serve plain or with a slather of butter for maximum coziness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert
Yes! Tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp work best because they hold up during baking and balance the sweetness. Feel free to experiment with others, like Fuji or Braeburn, for a slightly different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream if needed—they both give that same incredibly moist texture and subtle tang. Avoid using low-fat or nonfat versions, as the richness is key to the bread’s crumb.
Can I make Cinnamon Apple Bread gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (preferably one that contains xanthan gum for structure). The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you still get all that spiced apple goodness.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A sunken center is usually the result of underbaking or too much moisture. Make sure to check with a toothpick right in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. Also, accurate measurements and using firm apples will help.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a gorgeous crunch, and sultanas or golden raisins bring a little extra sweetness. Stir about half a cup into the batter with the apples or sprinkle on top for a lovely finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new cozy favorite to add to your baking repertoire, I can’t recommend Cinnamon Apple Bread enough. It brings together all the homey flavors of fall and harvest in one incredibly simple, yet magical, loaf. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love—your kitchen (and everyone who visits) will thank you!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Cinnamon Apple Bread. Moist and packed with apples, this easy-to-make quick bread is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the cinnamon swirl:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Gradually add dry ingredients and fold in chopped apples.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer Batter: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, repeat, and swirl with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Great with a smear of butter or a drizzle of glaze.
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