There’s something wonderfully comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a classic, cozy recipe that feels just as perfect on a chilly winter morning as it does on a breezy summer afternoon. The swirl of brown sugar and fresh apples brings a deliciously moist, flavorful crumb to this loaf, while a drizzle of cinnamon glaze adds a hint of extra sweetness and spice on top.
Inspired by American-style quick breads, this recipe uses a simple batter that comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy days, weekend baking, or an afternoon treat with a hot cup of coffee. It’s a great way to use up apples and is sure to become a family favorite — I know it brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen every time I bake it.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Incredibly soft and moist with a beautiful swirl of apples
- Warm cinnamon glaze adds a bakery-style finish
- Quick and easy, no yeast required
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack
- Pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea
Ingredients
For the Bread Batter:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
For the Apple Mixture:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1½ 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
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and 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 for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until light and creamy — about 3–4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Milk
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding half the flour mixture with half the milk, mixing until just combined. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and milk. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the chopped apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the apple pieces in the cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Layer half of the apple mixture over the batter and lightly swirl with a knife or skewer — don’t overdo it, as a thick swirl in the center looks best.
Add the remaining batter, then top with the remaining apple mixture. Swirl again a couple of times in both directions. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon topping evenly over the top of the loaf.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, especially if it hits a piece of apple).
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 8: Add the Cinnamon Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, ground cinnamon, and water in a small bowl to make the glaze. Drizzle generously over the slightly warm bread and allow to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Use a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the loaf light and tender
- Test doneness with a toothpick, aiming for only a few crumbs attached
- Store covered at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage
- Warm slices in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that just-baked taste
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is delicious on its own, but even better with:
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A smear of butter while still slightly warm
- A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts
- Paired with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea
Storage & Freezing
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or warm gently in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
You can, but the bread may be denser. Try half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a balance.
What other apples work best?
Braeburn, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples hold their shape well in baking.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes! The bread is sweet and flavorful on its own, but the glaze adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you try this Cinnamon Apple Bread, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag me on social media — your delicious creations always inspire me.
The Goods
Cinnamon Apple Bread
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Recipes
For the Bread Batter:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
For the Apple Mixture:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1½ 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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and 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 for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until light and creamy — about 3–4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Milk
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding half the flour mixture with half the milk, mixing until just combined. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and milk. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Apple Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the apple pieces in the cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Layer half of the apple mixture over the batter and lightly swirl with a knife or skewer — don’t overdo it, as a thick swirl in the center looks best.
- Add the remaining batter, then top with the remaining apple mixture. Swirl again a couple of times in both directions. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon topping evenly over the top of the loaf.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, especially if it hits a piece of apple).
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 8: Add the Cinnamon Glaze
- While the bread cools, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, ground cinnamon, and water in a small bowl to make the glaze. Drizzle generously over the slightly warm bread and allow to cool completely before slicing.
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