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Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread: Your Perfect Autumn Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, especially when it’s infused with the warm spices and sweet tang of autumn apples. This incredibly moist and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Bread recipe is an absolute delight, making it the quintessential quick bread for any season, though it truly shines in the cooler months. Effortless to prepare and brimming with wholesome goodness, it’s a versatile treat perfect for breakfast, a cozy tea-time snack, or even a simple, satisfying dessert.

Every slice of this delectable apple loaf is generously studded with tender, diced fresh apples, bringing a burst of natural sweetness and texture. Enhanced with a harmonious blend of warm spices like cinnamon, a splash of pure vanilla extract, and the rich depth of brown sugar, this Apple Bread goes beyond delicious – it’s truly outstanding. Its inviting fragrance alone is enough to make anyone eager for a bite!

Slices of Apple Bread on a white plate with cinnamon sticks.

Why This Apple Cinnamon Bread is Your Next Must-Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a baking project that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, this Apple Cinnamon Quick Bread is the answer. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

Effortless Quick Bread Magic: Unlike yeast breads that demand lengthy rising times, quick breads are designed for speed and simplicity. They use chemical leavening agents like baking powder to achieve a beautifully risen, tender crumb without any waiting. This means you can enjoy fresh-baked goodness in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings.
The Ultimate Autumnal Treat: Infused with the quintessential flavors of fall – crisp apples and warm cinnamon – this bread perfectly captures the essence of the season. It’s an ideal accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea on a chilly day, or a welcome addition to your holiday breakfast or brunch spread.
A Cake-Like Indulgence Disguised as Bread: Don’t let the “bread” in its name fool you. While it boasts a satisfyingly dense and moist texture typical of quick breads, its rich flavor profile and tender crumb make it feel like you’re indulging in a luxurious cake. It’s the best of both worlds – comforting bread meets decadent dessert!
A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: From casual family breakfasts to gatherings with friends, this apple loaf is always a hit. I once shared a few slices with my knitting group, and the plate returned home with nothing but crumbs. Its universal appeal makes it a go-to recipe when you want to impress without stress.

The Secret to Perfect Apple Bread: Choosing Your Apples

The type of apples you use can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your apple bread. For an optimal experience, I highly recommend combining different varieties. A blend of tart and sweet, firm and softer apples ensures a complex flavor profile and an interesting textural contrast throughout the loaf. My favorite combination, and one I consistently use, is a Granny Smith apple paired with a Golden Delicious. The Granny Smith offers a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the bread, while its firm texture holds up beautifully during baking. The Golden Delicious brings a mellow sweetness and a slightly softer consistency, creating a perfect balance. This pairing guarantees a moist, flavorful bread with delightful pockets of tender apple.

Rave Reviews for This Apple Bread Recipe

Don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what delighted bakers are saying about this easy Apple Cinnamon Bread:

From a happy baker on Pinterest: “This was so quick and easy to throw together! I had been craving a quick, sweet bread for some time now, so I was pleased when I stumbled upon this recipe and had all the required ingredients! This is so sweet and moist; the perfect flavor for a breakfast bread but could even pass as dessert. Yum!”

Cinnamon Spiced Apple Bread slices and a partial loaf on a slate tray.

Expert Baking Tips for a Flawless Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Having baked countless quick breads over the years, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge to ensure your success. Here are my top expert tips for making this apple cinnamon bread absolutely perfect every time:

PRO-Tip: Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for quick breads and muffins. Once you add the dry ingredients – particularly the baking soda or baking powder – mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, chewy loaf with unsightly “tunnels” inside. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable.
The Power of the Toothpick Test: Baking times can vary significantly between ovens. Start checking your bread about 15 minutes before the recipe’s recommended baking time ends. Insert a clean toothpick or a thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out with moist crumbs or wet batter, it needs more time. If it comes out mostly clean, your bread is done. Don’t rely solely on your timer; trust the toothpick!
Prevent Over-Browning with Foil: If you notice the top of your loaf browning too quickly before the center is fully cooked, create a loose “tent” of aluminum foil and place it over the pan. This will shield the top from direct heat, allowing the inside to continue baking without the crust getting too dark.
Check Your Leavening Agents: Baking powder is vital for a light, airy quick bread. It’s often used less frequently than baking soda and can expire more quickly. To test its potency, drop a teaspoon into a small bowl of hot water. If it fizzes vigorously, it’s fresh and active. Old or inactive baking powder will result in a flat, dense, and unappetizing loaf.
Parchment Paper for Easy Release: To guarantee your beautiful loaf slides out of the pan effortlessly, line the bottom of your loaf pan with a rectangle of parchment paper after greasing the pan. Grease the top of the parchment paper as well. This creates a non-stick barrier that prevents any sticking disasters.
Greasing Alternatives: While I often use a non-stick spray that combines oil and flour (like Baker’s Joy), a regular oil spray or simply greasing your pan with butter or shortening and then flouring it will work perfectly. Just ensure the entire interior surface is well-coated.
Patience Pays Off: Quick breads often taste even better the next day. Once your loaf has cooled completely to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the moisture to redistribute, resulting in an even more delicious and tender bread. Of course, if you can’t resist, dive right in – it’s fantastic fresh out of the oven too!
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best emulsification and a smoother batter, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more evenly with the other ingredients, leading to a more consistent crumb structure.
Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to too much flour and a dry, dense bread.
Add a Sweet Crunch: For an extra layer of flavor and a delightful textural contrast, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon sugar over the top of the batter before baking. This creates a beautiful, caramelized crust.

Apple Bread loaf and slices on a slate tray.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Bread

What Kind of Apples Are Best for Apple Bread?

For the most balanced flavor and appealing texture, it’s best to combine both sweet and tart apple varieties. Additionally, vary the texture by using one firm apple and one that softens slightly more during baking. The classic combination of Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples works exceptionally well, offering a perfect blend of sweetness, tang, and texture.

How Do You Know When Apple Bread is Done?

The most reliable method is the toothpick test. Insert a clean toothpick, wooden skewer, or even a thin knife into several spots across the top and center of the loaf. If the toothpick comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is done. If it still has wet batter, return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes before rechecking. A naturally occurring crack across the surface of your apple loaf is often a great spot to insert your toothpick for an accurate test.

What’s the Best Way to Store Apple Bread?

Once your apple cinnamon bread has cooled completely to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully fresh and moist at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, see the freezing instructions below.

Can You Freeze Apple Bread?

Absolutely! Apple quick bread freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat for months to come. After it has cooled completely, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before slicing and serving. You can also warm individual slices in the microwave or toaster oven.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Your Apple Cinnamon Bread

This versatile cinnamon-spiced apple bread is perfect for so many occasions, from a wholesome breakfast to a decadent dessert, or even a satisfying midnight snack. Here are some ideas to elevate your experience:

Classic Enjoyment: Enjoy slices plain, with a smear of butter, or a dollop of cream cheese.
Sweet Indulgence: For a dessert-like treat, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Breakfast Boost: Pair it with your morning coffee or tea, or alongside a fruit salad for a complete breakfast.
Add-ins: Fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or some golden raisins for extra sweetness.
Glaze It: A simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk or apple cider) can add an extra layer of sweetness and elegance.
Spice it Up: Experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice blend.

Cinnamon Spiced Apple Bread Recipe

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 50 minutes

Yield
1 loaf

A moist, delectable cinnamon-topped apple bread that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (I used one Granny Smith and one Golden Delicious)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon sugar to top loaf, optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Prepare a large loaf pan (typically 9×5 inches) by greasing it thoroughly. Then, line the bottom of the pan with a rectangle of parchment paper, ensuring it covers the base. Grease the top of the parchment paper as well. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
Gently stir in the diced apples into the wet mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon, ensuring no lumps remain.
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the apple batter. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable. The batter will be thick.
Scrape the thick batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter with cinnamon sugar for a delicious crust.
Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with only moist crumbs attached.
After about an hour of baking, check the loaf. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while the interior continues to cook.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows it to set.
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. If the parchment paper adheres to the bread, gently peel it off.
When fully cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap to store. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Notes

My loaf pan was a standard 9 x 5 inches. If your loaf pan is larger or smaller, you may need to adjust your baking times accordingly.

Recommended Products

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Stainless Steel Loaf Pan

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 329Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 232mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 3gSugar: 39gProtein: 3g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

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