There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and apples, especially when baked into a warm, soft loaf of Cinnamon Apple Bread. This easy-to-make bread is packed with tender apple chunks, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a perfectly moist crumb, making it the ultimate treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Not only does this bread fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma, but it also comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s versatile—enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or even toasted with a drizzle of honey.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Soft, moist, and packed with real apples
- Swirled with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor
- Easy to make—no mixer required!
- Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting
- Freezes beautifully for a make-ahead treat
What Does This Bread Taste Like?
This bread is the perfect mix of sweet, spiced, and fruity. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon sugar swirl gives every bite a warm, comforting taste. The outside is slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and tender. It’s like a slice of fall in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar/lemon juice)
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great!)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- A drizzle of vanilla glaze (see below for recipe!)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside for later.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
5. Combine & Fold in Apples
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. Layer the Batter & Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
7. Swirl & Bake
Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle your bread with this simple vanilla glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk everything together and drizzle over the cooled bread.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Apple Bread
- A cup of coffee or tea – Perfect for a cozy morning treat.
- A spread of butter or cream cheese – Adds extra richness.
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup – For a natural sweetness boost.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – Turns it into a delicious dessert!
Tips for the Best Apple Bread
- Use firm apples – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold their shape best in baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of light and soft.
- Let the bread cool before slicing – This helps it hold together and enhances the flavor.
- For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon ground cloves to the batter.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. Warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.
FAQs About Cinnamon Apple Bread
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
2. Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
3. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes! Substitute the ½ cup melted butter with ½ cup vegetable oil for a slightly different texture.
4. What’s the best way to reheat this bread?
Microwave slices for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
5. Can I add nuts or raisins?
Of course! Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is everything you want in a cozy homemade treat—warm, spiced, soft, and packed with fresh apples. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet dessert, it’s sure to be a family favorite!
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest to save for later!
Looking for more fall baking recipes? Try these next:
internal links:
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Happy baking! 🍎🍞✨