When the leaves start turning and apples are at their juiciest, there’s only one thing on my baking mind: Cinnamon Apple Bread. This moist, tender loaf wraps together everything we adore about autumn—sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and the most divine vanilla glaze to finish it off. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy coffee break, this apple cinnamon loaf never disappoints.
Trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven. And the best part? It’s super simple to make and even easier to devour.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Incredibly moist and tender texture
- Packed with real apple chunks and cinnamon sugar
- Perfect balance of sweet, spice, and buttery goodness
- A glazed apple bread that doubles as dessert or breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
Apple Mixture:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
Topping:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp water
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a mixer, beat softened butter, sugar, and vanilla for 3–4 minutes until pale and smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each.
- On low speed, alternate adding half the flour mix and half the milk. Repeat until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss chopped apple with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Mix the topping of brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Top with half the apple mixture. Lightly swirl.
- Repeat with remaining batter and apple mixture. Swirl again. Sprinkle on topping.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled loaf. Let set before slicing.
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Loaf
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle is key to a soft crumb.
- Add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for texture.
- Store leftovers in foil or an airtight container to keep it moist.
How This Apple Dessert Became a Fall Must
This bread was born during one of my weekend baking sprees—the kind where I throw on an old sweater, light a cinnamon candle, and channel all things cosy. After just one bite, my family declared it “the best fall loaf ever,” and who was I to argue? Now it’s a staple from September through Thanksgiving.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Apple Bread
- A steaming mug of coffee or spiced tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Warmed with a pat of butter for breakfast
- Wrapped in parchment for the sweetest edible gift
How to Store and Enjoy Later
- Store at room temp for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for a longer shelf life, but bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze the loaf (unglazed) for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit?
Yes—pears work beautifully. Just keep them firm.
Can I skip the glaze?
Totally! The bread is sweet and flavorful enough on its own.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Bake in two pans or one larger one and adjust bake time.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.
Sweet, Spiced, and Irresistibly Moist
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is everything you want in a fall baking recipe: cozy, delicious, and filled with real apple flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it warm from the oven or sneaking a slice with your morning coffee, this apple dessert is a surefire way to celebrate the season.
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Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Apple Bread is a moist, buttery loaf filled with tender apple chunks, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings or fall dessert tables, this spiced apple bread brings all the warmth and comfort of autumn into one delicious slice.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1½ tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
2 large eggs
-
½ cup milk
Apple Mixture:
-
½ cup packed light brown sugar
-
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
-
1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
Topping:
-
2 tbsp brown sugar
-
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze:
-
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
-
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
-
2 tbsp water
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan.
-
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and smooth (3–4 mins).
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
-
On low speed, alternate adding half the flour mixture and half the milk, repeating until just combined.
-
In a separate bowl, toss chopped apple with brown sugar and cinnamon.
-
Mix topping ingredients in a small bowl.
-
Pour half the batter into the pan, top with half the apple mixture, and swirl gently.
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Repeat with remaining batter and apples. Swirl again and sprinkle topping over the top.
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Bake 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool in pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread. Let set before slicing.
Notes
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples offer the best tart-sweet balance.
Avoid overmixing for a soft, tender loaf.
Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) add great texture.
The bread is just as good without glaze for a lighter option.
Freeze unglazed and drizzle fresh after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American