Cinnamon Apple Bread

Moist, tender, and filled with a sweet cinnamon-apple swirl

Simple Introduction

Cinnamon Apple Bread is the kind of recipe that instantly makes a kitchen feel warm, welcoming, and full of comfort. From the moment the butter and sugar are creamed together to the final drizzle of cinnamon glaze, this loaf captures everything we love about cozy baking. The aroma alone—sweet apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon—has a way of slowing life down and making ordinary moments feel special.

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is soft and buttery, layered with a rich cinnamon-apple swirl that melts into the batter as it bakes. Each slice delivers tender crumb, bursts of apple, and ribbons of spiced sweetness. It’s easy enough for a weekday bake, yet impressive enough to serve to guests with coffee or tea. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a simple dessert, this bread feels like home in loaf form.

Designed to be reliable and beginner-friendly, this Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe comes together with pantry staples and one mixing bowl for the batter. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment—just straightforward steps that lead to a bakery-style loaf you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why Cinnamon Apple Bread Is So Popular

Cinnamon Apple Bread has earned its place as a classic for good reason. Apples and cinnamon are a timeless pairing, and when baked into a tender loaf, they create layers of flavor and texture that appeal to nearly everyone.

Here’s why this Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe stands out:

• Seasonal comfort: Apples and cinnamon instantly evoke fall, but this bread is delicious year-round.

• Versatility: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or dessert.

• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

• Freezer-friendly: Bake once, enjoy for weeks.

• Customizable: Easy to adapt with nuts, spices, or glaze variations.

Unlike muffins that disappear quickly, a loaf of Cinnamon Apple Bread feels generous and satisfying. One bake yields multiple servings, making it ideal for families, gatherings, or meal prep.

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Recipe Details

• Servings: 10

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is baked in a standard loaf pan and requires no resting time or special techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.

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Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding each ingredient helps ensure your Cinnamon Apple Bread turns out perfectly every time.

Bread Batter

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender.

• Baking powder: Gives the loaf its gentle rise.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture. Softened butter creams better with sugar.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the apple flavor.

• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth.

• Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to structure.

• Milk: Keeps the crumb soft and moist.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl

• Light brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and moisture.

• Ground cinnamon: The heart of this Cinnamon Apple Bread.

• Apple: Adds sweetness, moisture, and texture. Firm apples hold their shape best.

Topping

• Brown sugar & cinnamon: Create a lightly crisp, flavorful top layer.

Cinnamon Glaze

• Confectioners’ sugar: Forms a smooth, sweet glaze.

• Ground cinnamon: Reinforces the spice flavor.

• Water: Thins the glaze to drizzle consistency.

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Choosing the Best Apples for Cinnamon Apple Bread

Apples are the star of Cinnamon Apple Bread, and the variety you choose makes a difference.

Best options:

• Honeycrisp: Sweet-tart balance and firm texture.

• Granny Smith: Tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with cinnamon sugar.

• Braeburn: Mild sweetness and excellent baking texture.

Avoid overly soft apples, which can turn mushy and disappear into the batter. Finely chopping the apples ensures even distribution without sinking.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8½ × 4½-inch loaf pan, tapping out excess flour. This prevents sticking and ensures clean slices.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking aerates the flour and evenly distributes the leavening.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step incorporates air, helping the Cinnamon Apple Bread rise properly.

4. Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This prevents curdling and creates a smooth batter.

5. Combine Batter

With the mixer on low speed, add half of the flour mixture, then half of the milk. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the bread dense.

6. Make Apple Cinnamon Mixture

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped apples. Stir until apples are coated evenly.

7. Prepare Topping

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.

8. Layer the Batter

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half of the apple mixture on top and gently swirl with a knife.

9. Repeat Layers

Add remaining batter, then the rest of the apple mixture. Swirl lightly again and sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the surface.

10. Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

11. Cool & Glaze

Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over the loaf once slightly cooled.

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Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Bread

• Don’t over-swirl: Too much swirling blends layers together instead of creating defined ribbons.

• Check early: Ovens vary; tent loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.

• Room-temperature ingredients: Blend more smoothly and evenly.

• Extra moisture: Replace 2 tablespoons of milk with sour cream or yogurt.

• Even slices: Let the bread cool fully before slicing.

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Variations and Add-Ins

This Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe is a great base for customization.

Nutty Cinnamon Apple Bread

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture for crunch.

Apple Spice Bread

Add nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the cinnamon swirl for deeper spice flavor.

Whole Wheat Option

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for added fiber.

No-Glaze Version

Skip the glaze and dust with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

Muffin Version

Divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Apple Bread pairs beautifully with:

• Hot coffee or chai tea

• Vanilla ice cream for dessert

• Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast

• Whipped cream or caramel drizzle for special occasions

It’s also excellent toasted with a pat of butter the next day.

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Storage and Freezing

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Print

Nutrition (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 290 kcal

• Fat: 12 g

• Carbohydrates: 42 g

• Protein: 5 g

• Sugar: 26 g

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Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Apple Bread is more than just a baked good—it’s a recipe that creates moments. It’s the loaf you bake on a quiet afternoon when the house feels too quiet, the treat you slice into for unexpected guests, and the comfort food that makes ordinary mornings feel special. With its soft crumb, sweet cinnamon-apple swirl, and simple glaze, this bread delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite.

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Bread truly special is its balance. It’s rich but not heavy, sweet but not overwhelming, and spiced just enough to highlight the apples without overpowering them. The texture stays moist for days, and the flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as good—if not better—the next day.