Cinnamon Apple Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy and delightful treat that fills your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples, then this Cinnamon Apple Bread is for you! There’s something so comforting about a slice of this sweet bread, especially when it’s fresh from the oven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, making it a favorite in my kitchen. Plus, this recipe is simple enough to whip up any day of the week!

What I love most about this Cinnamon Apple Bread is how its tender loaf is swirled with brown sugar and chunks of juicy apples. And let’s not forget the sweet cinnamon glaze on top—it’s simply irresistible! Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious bread ready to enjoy.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and spicy flavors of cinnamon and apple.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week for breakfast or snacks.
• Perfect for sharing: This bread makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors, especially during fall gatherings.
• Deliciously aromatic: The warm spices fill your kitchen with an inviting scent that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect slice of Cinnamon Apple Bread.

For the Bread

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

• 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water

Variations

One of the best parts about this Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in dried fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a nice chewiness to the bread.
• Use different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon for added warmth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a safe option.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly once you get it mixed together. Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps combine all the dry ingredients evenly before adding them to your wet mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until smooth and pale—about 3-4 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl; we want every bit of sweetness!

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Beat in each egg one at a time until fully incorporated. This adds richness to our batter and helps give structure to our lovely loaf.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, add half of your dry ingredient mixture followed by half of the milk. Repeat this process until everything is just combined. Mixing gently ensures we don’t overwork our batter!

Step 6: Prepare Apple Filling

In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples. This filling will add that delightful burst of flavor throughout our bread.

Step 7: Create Topping Mixture

For our topping, simply combine brown sugar with some more ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside while we layer our batter.

Step 8: Layering Time!

Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with half of the apple mixture. Use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl through—don’t go overboard; we want those beautiful layers!

Step 9: Finish Layering

Now pour in the remaining batter followed by the rest of the apple mixture. Again swirl gently with a knife or skewer and sprinkle that delicious cinnamon-sugar topping on top.

Step 10: Bake Away!

Place your loaf in the oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—just a few moist crumbs are fine thanks to those soft apples!

Step 11: Cool & Glaze

Let your bread cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. While it cools down, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread and let set before slicing.

Now you’re ready to enjoy each scrumptious bite of this Cinnamon Apple Bread! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Bread

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure your Cinnamon Apple Bread turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter. This results in a more tender loaf that rises beautifully.

• Don’t skimp on the apple prep: Chopping your apples into small pieces allows them to cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the bread. This ensures every bite is full of delicious apple flavor.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since apples contain moisture, it’s normal for the toothpick test to show a few moist crumbs. However, if it comes out with wet batter, give it a bit more time in the oven.

• Cool completely before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool completely on a rack prevents it from becoming gummy while slicing. This will give you neat slices that showcase the lovely swirl of cinnamon and apples.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also visually inviting! Here are some fun and delicious ways to present this delightful loaf.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the bread.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some toasted pecans or walnuts on top introduces an extra crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a juicy contrast to the spiced bread and brightens up your plate.
• Yogurt Parfait: Pairing your bread with a yogurt parfait loaded with granola and berries creates a balance of textures and flavors.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or ginger, complements the cinnamon notes in the bread, making it perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.
• Coffee: For those who enjoy a caffeine kick, serving this bread alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances its sweet profile beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your homemade Cinnamon Apple Bread! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week. Whether you want a quick breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, storing this bread properly will keep it fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing for easy serving later.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The Cinnamon Apple Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• For a whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and warm it for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Apple Bread:

Can I use a different type of apple for Cinnamon Apple Bread?

Absolutely! You can use any apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. Choose based on your taste preference!

How can I make my Cinnamon Apple Bread more moist?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and incorporate just enough liquid. Adding an extra apple or reducing baking time slightly can also help maintain moisture.

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Bread special?

This recipe features a scrumptious swirl of brown sugar and apples that keeps each slice moist and flavorful. The cinnamon glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making it irresistible!

Can I add nuts to my Cinnamon Apple Bread?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to enhance flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter along with the apples for a delightful crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Cinnamon Apple Bread as much as I do! Its sweet aroma fills your kitchen with warmth, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it solo, every bite is a reminder of cozy moments. Happy baking!