Cinnamon Apple Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Cinnamon Apple Bread because it combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apples, and sugar into a light, fluffy loaf. The apples add moisture and sweetness, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl provides that extra burst of flavor. The glaze on top is the perfect finishing touch, adding just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the whole house will smell heavenly while it’s baking.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)

½ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 large eggs

½ cup milk

For the Apple Mixture:

½ cup light brown sugar (packed)

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces)

For the Topping:

2 tablespoons brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and pale (about 3-4 minutes). Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

4. Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix to avoid dense bread.

6. Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped apple. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.

7. Layer the Batter and Apple Mixture

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly spread half of the apple mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter with the apples. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls will do to create a beautiful cinnamon-apple swirl.

8. Add the Remaining Batter and Swirl

Pour the remaining batter into the pan, then top with the remaining apple mixture. Swirl the batter again using a knife or skewer to distribute the apples.

9. Make the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the bread.

10. Bake the Bread

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

11. Cool and Prepare the Glaze

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. While the bread cools, whisk together the glaze ingredients: confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and water.

12. Glaze the Bread

Transfer the bread to a wire rack and drizzle the glaze over the top while it’s still warm. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 10 slices of delicious bread. The prep time is around 15 minutes, and the cook time is about 50 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 1 hour.

Variations

Nuts: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or nutmeg to create your own variation.

Fruit: Swap the apples for pears or a combination of different fruits like cranberries and oranges for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing: This bread freezes well. Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without the glaze?

Yes, the bread is delicious on its own without the glaze. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the glaze and enjoy the cinnamon-apple swirl as the main flavor.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the glaze?

You can use maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup as alternatives to confectioners’ sugar for the glaze, though the texture and sweetness will vary.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as larger loaves may take longer to bake. Be sure to test for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make this bread into muffins?

Yes! To make muffins, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Bread is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and a sugary glaze in a tender, moist loaf. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread is sure to be a hit. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect for filling your home with a comforting, cinnamon-spiced aroma. Enjoy a slice (or two) with your morning coffee or share it with friends and family for a sweet, cozy experience!

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