There’s something magical about baking apple cinnamon bread on a crisp fall afternoon. The scent alone fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia—it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater made of sugar and spice. My love for this apple cinnamon bread began when I helped my grandmother stir cinnamon into diced apples as a kid. Every swirl of that sweet spice blend signaled the arrival of autumn. This recipe for apple cinnamon bread is my modern version of her timeless loaf—quick, soft, perfectly spiced, and so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bought bread mixes. In this article, we’ll cover how to make this foolproof apple cinnamon bread recipe, tips for success, baking variations, and how to keep your loaves fresh and gift-ready all season long.
The Story Behind Apple Cinnamon Bread
Homemade Fall Flavor in Every Slice
Apple cinnamon bread is more than a sweet treat—it’s a fall ritual. Every year, when the leaves start to turn, I pull out my loaf pans and line them up for what has become a family tradition: baking this apple cinnamon bread loaf for neighbors and friends. What makes it special is how effortlessly it comes together. Unlike yeast breads that require proofing and patience, this is a quick bread, meaning no rising time and no kneading. Just mix, pour, and bake. The result? A tender, aromatic loaf packed with chunks of fresh apples and a cinnamon swirl that melts into every bite.
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Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini loaves 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy apple cinnamon bread recipe makes six mini loaves filled with diced apples and warm cinnamon flavor — a perfect fall bread recipe for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
2 cups white granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 cups milk
⅔ cup vegetable oil
1 cup apples, diced and peeled
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
⅔ cup white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease loaf pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients together.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, and oil until smooth.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients gently.
5. Fold in diced apples and cinnamon.
6. Pour into loaf pans, filling ⅔ full.
7. Mix cinnamon and sugar; swirl into batter.
8. Bake 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
Do not overfill loaf pans; fill ⅔ full.
Use the toothpick test for doneness.
Store in airtight container for 2–3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This apple cinnamon bread recipe is a masterpiece of balance. The milk adds moisture, the oil keeps it soft, and the sugar caramelizes beautifully for that classic golden crust. The cinnamon sugar topping forms a delicate, crackly finish you’ll crave with every slice. Plus, this recipe yields six mini loaves, perfect for gifting. It’s a fall bread recipe that delivers both simplicity and rich flavor—ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe Perfectly Every Time
Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll need simple pantry staples for this apple cinnamon bread loaf: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, diced apples, and cinnamon. These ingredients combine to form a thick, velvety batter that bakes into a soft, golden loaf. The cinnamon-sugar mixture creates a swirling ribbon that’s both sweet and aromatic.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your loaf pans.
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In one bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another, whisk eggs, milk, and oil until smooth.
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Gradually add dry to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
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Fold in diced apples and cinnamon.
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Pour into pans (fill ⅔ full).
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Mix cinnamon and sugar for the topping, spoon it over the batter, and gently swirl with a knife.
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Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
This method ensures a moist, tender crumb and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust that defines the best apple cinnamon bread.
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Bread Loaf
Baking Like a Pro
Want that bakery-style rise and shine? Don’t overmix. Overworking the batter can make your bread dense. Mix only until the dry ingredients disappear. Always fill pans two-thirds full to prevent overflow while allowing room for the bread to rise beautifully.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
If your bread turns out dry, check your oven temperature—some ovens run hotter. Use the toothpick test to check doneness: if it comes out clean, your loaf is perfect. For a deeper cinnamon flavor, increase the spice slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg for complexity. And remember, the cinnamon sugar swirl is key—it adds both texture and flavor contrast.
Delicious Variations and Serving Ideas
Creative Variations
This apple cinnamon bread recipe can easily adapt to your taste or pantry. Try swapping apples for pears for a milder sweetness or toss in a handful of chopped walnuts for crunch. Feeling festive? Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf for a bakery-style finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm slices with butter for breakfast, or toast leftovers for an afternoon snack. It pairs beautifully with coffee, chai, or spiced cider. For gifting, wrap mini loaves in parchment paper and tie them with twine—it’s a thoughtful homemade present that smells as good as it tastes.
Storing and Freezing Apple Cinnamon Bread
Keep It Fresh
To keep your apple cinnamon bread soft and moist, store it in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 6 days.
How to Freeze Apple Cinnamon Bread
Wrap each loaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then seal inside freezer bags. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. The flavor and aroma return like freshly baked magic.
FAQ Section
Can I make apple cinnamon bread without eggs?
Yes. Substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for a soft and egg-free version.
Can I use almond milk instead of dairy milk?
Absolutely. Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well without affecting texture.
Why did my apple cinnamon bread sink in the middle?
Overmixing or opening the oven too early can cause sinking. Mix gently and avoid peeking before 30 minutes of baking.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Add an extra tablespoon of milk if the batter feels thick.
Conclusion
Apple cinnamon bread is the perfect blend of comfort, sweetness, and spice—everything fall should taste like. With its no-fuss steps, simple ingredients, and rich flavor, it’s a fall bread recipe you’ll return to year after year. Whether shared as a gift or enjoyed warm from the oven, this apple cinnamon bread loaf captures the essence of the season in every bite.
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