Cinnamon Apple Bread
This Cinnamon Apple Bread delivers the perfect combination of soft, moist bread with a sweet, spiced apple filling.
With a swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon apples in the middle and a crispy, sugary top, it’s an ideal fall treat. Easy to make and full of seasonal flavors, this quick bread is sure to become a family favorite.
The tender crumb of the bread complements the warm apple cinnamon filling, creating a dessert-like loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
The light cinnamon glaze adds a delicate sweetness to each slice, enhancing the bread’s irresistible flavors.
Star Ingredients of this Cinnamon Apple Bread
All-purpose flour – The base that provides structure and helps hold the apple and cinnamon swirls in place.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture, keeping the bread soft and tender.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter while enhancing the golden crust.
Vanilla extract – Boosts the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together, giving the bread its soft texture.
Milk – Keeps the batter moist while blending the ingredients seamlessly.
Brown sugar – Adds a caramelized sweetness to the apple mixture, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
Ground cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice, making every bite full of cozy fall flavor.
Apple – The star of the filling, providing juicy bursts of sweetness and texture.
Confectioners’ sugar – Creates the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the bread with a touch of elegance.
How to Make This Delicious Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan.
In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt). In another, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then slowly alternate the dry mixture and milk.
The apple filling is made by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and diced apples. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan, layer with the apple mixture, then swirl with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples, finishing with a cinnamon sugar topping.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, and once out of the oven, allow the bread to cool before drizzling with a simple cinnamon glaze. Let the bread cool completely before slicing into its tender, fragrant layers.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Apple Bread
For extra apple flavor, consider using a tart variety like Granny Smith, which balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
If you prefer more texture, leave small apple chunks visible when swirling. The cinnamon glaze is optional but highly recommended for an added sweet finish.
If you want to take it up a notch, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch in every bite. Another fun variation is using maple syrup in the glaze for an extra autumnal touch.
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Apple Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
You can also refrigerate it, which will extend its freshness for up to a week. If freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll last up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven or microwave.
Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Apple Mixture:
- 1 large apple peeled, cored, and diced
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan thoroughly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry mixture aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed. Continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, around 3 to 4 minutes, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully blended.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add half of the dry flour mixture, followed by half of the milk. Continue alternating with the remaining flour mixture and milk, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- For the apple mixture, combine the chopped apple pieces, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar in a separate bowl. Stir until the apples are well coated, then set aside.
- To prepare the topping, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly spread half of the apple mixture over the batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter without over-mixing to create a marbled effect.
- Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the apple mixture. Swirl again lightly with a knife. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar topping over the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar, water, and cinnamon.
- Remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack. Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the warm bread. Let it cool completely before slicing.
