If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy treat to brighten up your kitchen, Cinnamon Apple Bread is ready to charm your taste buds. This irresistible quick bread fills your home with the nostalgic scent of cinnamon and warm apples as it bakes, and each slice is tender, moist, and bursting with fall flavors. Whether you serve it as a sweet breakfast, a comforting afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, Cinnamon Apple Bread makes every day taste just a little bit sweeter.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that beautiful swirl. Let’s take a closer look at what brings this Cinnamon Apple Bread together.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base and gives the bread structure, making every slice sturdy yet tender.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise tall and fluffy, with a lovely crumb.
Baking soda: Works with the sour cream to add extra lift and a soft texture.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm spice and infuses the bread with autumn coziness.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty depth that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a moist, tender crumb and adds irresistible richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps achieve a golden color.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure for a perfect loaf.
Sour cream: Keeps the bread incredibly moist and tender, with a slight tang to round out the sweetness.
Milk: Loosens the batter for even mixing and contributes to a soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a fragrant, sweet aroma.
Peeled and finely chopped apples: Bring bursts of juicy sweetness and a slight tartness to every bite.
Brown sugar: Used for the swirl, delivers rich, caramel-like notes that complement the apples beautifully.
Ground cinnamon (for swirl): Intensifies the cinnamon aroma and creates a gorgeous marbled effect.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you love texture in your quick breads.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your loaf goes in. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent any sticky situations—the last thing you want is for that gorgeous Cinnamon Apple Bread to cling to the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend creates the perfect backbone for your bread and guarantees every bite is consistently spiced and delicious.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step not only guarantees a light texture but helps create those little air pockets that make the bread so tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and luscious. This is where your batter starts to look irresistible!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. This light hand keeps your Cinnamon Apple Bread from becoming dense, so resist the urge to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Toss in those juicy apple pieces (and nuts, if you’re adding them), gently folding them into the batter. The apples give pop of flavor and the optional nuts add crunch, each bite a little burst of autumn.

Step 7: Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and extra ground cinnamon for the swirl. Pour half the batter into your loaf pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, add the rest of the batter, and finish with the remaining sugar. Take a knife and gently swirl it all through for a marbled effect that looks as inviting as it tastes.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake your loaf for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack. Try to resist slicing while it’s hot, even if the aroma is utterly tempting—letting it cool lets the flavors mingle and makes for neater slices.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top add extra beauty, making every serving feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair a thick wedge of Cinnamon Apple Bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert. For breakfast or brunch, a cup of strong coffee or hot apple cider on the side elevates the experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the loaf! Try toasting leftover slices and slathering with butter, or layering pieces into a bread pudding for a show-stopping treat. For gatherings, cut the bread into mini squares and serve with toothpicks as a sweet little bite-sized snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Apple Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Each slice stays perfectly moist, and the flavors just deepen as it sits.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this loaf is a dream for freezing! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw overnight at room temperature when a craving strikes.

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or pop a few slices in a toaster oven. The aroma fills your kitchen all over again, and the bread is just as soft and inviting as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Bread, Dessert

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith bring a nice balance, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for extra depth and juiciness.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works beautifully as a substitute and gives the bread the same moist, tender crumb.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The result is still moist, flavorful, and full of apple-cinnamon goodness.

Do I have to include nuts?

Nope, the nuts are entirely optional! If you or your loved ones have allergies or just prefer a softer texture, simply leave them out—the bread will still be delicious.

How do I keep the swirl from sinking to the bottom?

For the best swirl, make sure your batter is thick and your apple pieces are well-chopped. Gently swirl with a knife, but don’t overdo it—just a few strokes through the batter creates a beautiful marbled effect every time.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is pure comfort in every slice, blending layers of cozy flavors with an aroma that wraps you in warmth. Give it a try the next time you want something special—your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your friends and family will be begging for just one more piece!

Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread is a perfect treat for fall, combining the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples in a moist and flavorful loaf. Easy to make, this bread is great for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Prepare wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, milk, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in apples and nuts.
Create swirl mix: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Layer batter: Spread half of the batter in the pan, sprinkle with half of cinnamon-sugar mix, add remaining batter and top with the rest of the mix.
Bake: Bake for 55-65 mins until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.