When the leaves turn golden and apples are overflowing at the market, it’s time to bake something cozy and sweet. Enter: Cinnamon Apple Bread. This tender, moist apple cinnamon loaf is packed with juicy apple chunks, swirls of brown sugar and spice, and topped with a delicate cinnamon glaze. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this glazed apple bread is the ultimate fall treat.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread
This isn’t just a basic loaf—it’s a fall quick bread that brings warm, comforting flavors to every slice. The soft crumb, the cinnamon-kissed apple pieces, and that dreamy drizzle of glaze make it feel like a hug in bread form. And bonus: it comes together without any yeast, making it quick and easy to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients
Bread Batter:
- 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
Apple Mixture:
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
Topping:
- 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- ¾ cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Loaf
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour an 8.5×4.5 inch loaf pan.
- Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter, sugar, and vanilla for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs and milk: Beat in eggs one at a time. Alternate add flour mixture and milk on low speed just until combined.
- Mix apple filling: Combine chopped apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Make topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small dish.
- Layer the loaf: Pour half of the batter into the pan. Add half of the apple mixture and lightly swirl. Repeat with the remaining batter and apple mixture, swirling again. Sprinkle the topping over the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and glaze: Let bread cool in pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top. Let cool fully before slicing.
Tips for the Best Glazed Apple Bread
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp.
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps it tender.
- Swirl gently to keep distinct layers.
- Let the loaf cool completely before glazing or slicing for the best texture.
A Slice of Nostalgia
This cinnamon apple bread takes me back to chilly mornings in my childhood kitchen. My mom would wrap thick slices in foil and warm them in the oven while we pulled on our wool socks. Now, I pass on the tradition—only I make sure to double the batch because one loaf never lasts long!
Perfect Pairings for Your Apple Cinnamon Loaf
Enjoy a slice with hot coffee, spiced chai, or warm apple cider. It’s a fantastic addition to a fall brunch table, or simply enjoy it solo for an afternoon treat. For dessert, warm a slice and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store and Freeze
Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5. To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat as needed.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit?
Yes! Try pears or even peaches for a seasonal twist.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need the glaze?
It’s optional, but it adds a sweet finishing touch.
Can I bake this in mini loaf pans?
Yes, reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes and check for doneness.
Fall in Every Slice
Cinnamon apple bread is a celebration of all things autumn. From the cozy spices to the sweet glaze, it brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with family or sneaking a slice just for you, this apple cinnamon loaf is bound to be a seasonal favorite.
Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.
Print
Cinnamon Apple Bread: Your Go-To Fall Quick Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Apple Bread is a cozy fall quick bread packed with chunks of fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a tender, buttery crumb. Swirled with brown sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, it’s a comforting treat perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients
Bread Batter:
-
1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
-
1½ tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
-
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
2 large eggs
-
½ cup (120 ml) milk
Apple Mixture:
-
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
-
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
-
1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
Topping:
-
2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar
-
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze:
-
¾ cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar
-
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
-
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5×4.5 inch loaf pan.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
-
Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
-
Beat in eggs one at a time. On low speed, alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until just combined.
-
In a small bowl, toss chopped apple with brown sugar and cinnamon.
-
In a separate bowl, mix topping ingredients.
-
Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, then layer with half the apple mixture and swirl gently. Repeat with remaining batter and apples. Sprinkle topping on top.
-
Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
-
Cool in pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled loaf.
Notes
Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for best texture and flavor.
Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft, tender crumb.
Let loaf cool completely before glazing or slicing.
Store at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
