There’s something special about the combination of apples and cinnamon—a warm, cozy aroma that fills the house and brings a sense of nostalgia. For many of us, it’s the smell of fall, but this apple cinnamon bread recipe is perfect for any time of year. Whether it’s for a Sunday brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, this bread is bound to become a family favorite. The rich, soft texture and the sweet, spiced flavor make it a comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing.
I first discovered this recipe from my grandmother’s old handwritten cookbook, tucked between pages of family secrets and stories. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and it’s always been a go-to whenever we have an abundance of apples from the orchard or the farmer’s market. Over the years, I’ve adapted it to fit my busy weeknights and I can confidently say it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying baked goods to make.
If you’re looking for something that’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress, look no further. Let’s dive into why this apple cinnamon bread recipe is a must-try and how you can make it at home!
What is Apple Cinnamon Bread?
Apple cinnamon bread is a moist, sweet, and slightly spiced loaf of bread, made with the warm flavors of cinnamon and tender pieces of apple. The apples provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon adds a comforting warmth. It’s baked to perfection with a soft crumb and a slightly crisped top. This recipe is different from traditional banana bread or zucchini bread, as it uses fresh apples instead of purees, creating a chunkier texture and a natural fruity flavor.
Not only is it an ideal treat for fall, but this bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even as a dessert when paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Bread
There are so many reasons why this apple cinnamon bread will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment. With common pantry staples and a few apples, you can whip up this bread in no time.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires just a little bit of prep work and most of the time it’s baking away in the oven, leaving you free to do other things.
- Kid-Friendly: If you have little helpers in the kitchen, they’ll love stirring the ingredients and tossing in the apple chunks. It’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
- Versatile: Whether you want to serve it warm as a treat or store it for later, this apple cinnamon bread is perfect for every occasion.
- Delicious: Let’s be honest, the combination of apples and cinnamon is irresistible. Add that to a soft, buttery loaf, and you have a winning recipe.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread
Making apple cinnamon bread is a breeze with these easy-to-follow steps. The warm cinnamon fragrance will make your kitchen smell heavenly, and your family will be counting down the minutes until it’s ready.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop 2 medium apples into small chunks. Choose apples that are firm and tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape better while baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Set this aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1/3 cup of melted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and 2 large eggs. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a light texture.
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold in the apple chunks, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to the pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread is browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon Bread
Apple cinnamon bread is delicious on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of items to make a more substantial meal or snack.
- Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert.
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add extra sweetness to each slice.
- For breakfast, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and maybe a side of scrambled eggs or yogurt for a more filling meal.
- Top with a light spread of cream cheese or peanut butter for an extra savory twist.
Top Tips
- Apple variety: As mentioned, firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and don’t get mushy while baking.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a denser bread. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize this bread with nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even add a handful of raisins for a fruity twist.
- Sugar options: If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly or swap it for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Storing and Reheating
Apple cinnamon bread stores wonderfully for a few days. Once it’s cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast them for a crispy edge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version of this bread. However, the texture may be a bit denser.
Can I use frozen apples?
Fresh apples work best in this recipe. Frozen apples tend to release more moisture during baking, which could affect the texture of the bread.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! You can stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even raisins, for added texture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Be sure to use a dairy-free milk option, such as almond or oat milk, if you’re modifying the recipe further.
Conclusion
This apple cinnamon bread is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. It’s simple to make, and even easier to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or something to share at your next gathering, this bread has you covered. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for involving the kids—let them help chop apples or mix the batter, and watch their faces light up when they take that first bite. Cozy, sweet, and satisfying, this apple cinnamon bread is sure to become a tradition in your home, just like it is in mine.
Enjoy and hope you like
Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Kochutensilien
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
Zutaten
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Anleitungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks, set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well until fully mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.