If you are craving something warm, comforting, and bursting with fall flavors, this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Imagine moist, tender bread studded with soft, cinnamon-spiced apples and a hint of nutmeg that dances on your tongue with every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as an afternoon treat with tea, this delightful bread combines the sweetness of fresh apples with the cozy aroma of cinnamon, making every slice feel like a comforting hug. Trust me, once you make this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is simple but plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and warmth. From the soft butter that makes the bread tender, to the fresh apples providing moisture and sweetness, every component adds charm to this delightful loaf.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, fluffy bread that holds all ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and achieve that light texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Delivers that iconic warm and spicy flavor central to the recipe.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the spice profile.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates moistness and richness in every bite.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness and color.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the bread.
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the bread wonderfully moist and tender.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Balances the spices with a fragrant sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples: Provides moisture, texture, and bursts of fresh flavor.
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you like a bit of texture contrast.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when the batter is ready. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well; this helps the bread release easily after baking and keeps the crust lovely and crisp.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix of dry ingredients will bring out the rich spice flavor throughout the bread and create the perfect crumb texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
With a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial because it incorporates air, which will make your bread tender and airy.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract until your batter is smooth and inviting.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Carefully fold in the chopped apples and the optional nuts if you’re using them. The apples add juicy sweetness and welcome bursts of flavor, while nuts provide satisfying texture and a nutty contrast.
Step 7: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen will make the wait worthwhile!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it and transferring to a wire rack. Cooling fully ensures clean slices and the best texture when you serve.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey on top adds a pretty finish and an extra touch of sweetness. You can also spread a thin layer of softened butter or cream cheese for a decadent start to your morning.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spicy chai tea. For an indulgent breakfast, serve it alongside some creamy yogurt and fresh fruit to balance the spice and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe into dessert by toasting slices and topping them with vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce. Alternatively, slice thickly and make a French toast version for a weekend brunch that’s simply unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh, ready for snacking.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and crisp edges. Microwave reheating is convenient but can make the bread softer and less textured.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this bread?
Absolutely! Varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work great—just choose apples that hold their texture well when baked for the best results.
Is it okay to substitute yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream that adds moisture and a slight tang without changing the flavor too much.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe gluten-free. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.
What if I don’t have nuts or don’t like them?
No worries! The bread is delicious without nuts. They’re optional and only add crunch and flavor contrast.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready to come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you want a heartwarming, easy-to-make treat filled with cozy flavors of fall, this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is just what you need. It’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also welcoming, perfect for sharing over coffee or enjoying as an everyday comfort. Give it a try—you might find yourself baking it again and again.
Print
Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. Filled with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, tender chopped apples, and a hint of vanilla, this bread offers a delightful autumn-inspired taste. Optional nuts add a pleasant crunch, making each slice deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Dairy: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth, which adds moisture and flavor to the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the chopped apples and, if using, nuts to evenly distribute without breaking them down.
- Transfer to Pan and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when done.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top before baking.
- This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
