Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender Crumb: The combination of fresh apples and a cinnamon-sugar swirl keeps the bread exceptionally moist and flavorful.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice bakers.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread is a delightful treat any time of day.
- Seasonal Favorite: Capturing the essence of fall, it’s an excellent way to utilize fresh, seasonal apples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the bread.
- Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help the bread rise.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter, while brown sugar is used for the cinnamon-apple mixture and topping, imparting a caramel-like flavor.
- Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk contributes to a tender crumb.
- Apples: Chopped fresh apples bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the bread with warm spice, complementing the apples perfectly.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Used to make the light cinnamon glaze drizzled on top.
Directions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Apple Mixture: In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well coated.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-apple mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon-apple mixture, gently pressing the apples into the batter.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over the top of the loaf for a caramelized crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a bit of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the bread before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 slices.
- Preparation Time: About 20 minutes.
- Baking Time: 60-70 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including cooling time.
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Spice Mix: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a more complex spice profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the bread by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm slices, heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
What types of apples are best for this bread?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp and Fuji work well, providing a balance of flavor and texture.
Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and tender Cinnamon Apple Bread is a quick bread recipe featuring fresh apples and a cinnamon-sugar swirl, topped with a caramelized crust and light cinnamon glaze. Perfect for fall, breakfast, or dessert, this easy-to-make apple cinnamon bread brings warm autumn flavors to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh apples
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for apple mixture)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for apple mixture)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for glaze)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Avoid overmixing.
- Cinnamon-Apple Mix: Toss chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Assemble: Spread half the batter into the pan. Layer half the apple mixture. Repeat layers, pressing apples gently into the batter.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes, tenting with foil if browning too quickly. Test doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool and Glaze: Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and milk.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- Substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for dietary adjustments.
- Add chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American