Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

If you want a kitchen filled with the heavenly aroma of apples and warm spices, you’re in the right place—this Cinnamon Apple Bread is the cosiest bake I know! Each slice is bursting with tender apples, sweet cinnamon, and a glistening, crunchy sugar top. Whether you’re craving a special breakfast treat or the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is pure home-baked comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those recipes where every ingredient really earns its spot—nothing complicated, just a handful of pantry and fridge staples that come together to make magic. Each one adds something special, making this Cinnamon Apple Bread unbelievably moist, flavorful, and irresistible.

• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold their shape beautifully, giving pops of tender fruit in every slice.
• Demerara or Turbinado Sugar: Sprinkled on top, this creates that gorgeous, bakery-style crunchy crust—if you don’t have it, brown sugar is a great stand-in.
• Cinnamon Powder: The spice star of the show, both in the batter and as a topping, infusing every bite with warmth.
• Brown Sugar: Used in both the apples and the batter, it brings deep, caramel-y sweetness to the bread.
• Plain All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and that lovely, tender crumb you want in a homemade quick bread.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A combo for just the right rise and a pretty, domed loaf.
• Ground Ginger & Allspice: Add gentle heat and extra layers of spice—if you’re missing one, feel free to swap for more cinnamon.
• Yogurt (or Sour Cream): Ensures a soft, moist crumb—plain and unsweetened is best.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and give the loaf structure.
• Canola Oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist without any overwhelming flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: A sweet, fragrant note that melds beautifully with the apples and spices.
• Walnuts (optional): Toasted and roughly chopped—they add satisfying crunch and a lovely, nutty richness.
• Salt: Helps all the flavors shine more brightly without making the bread taste salty.

Variations

This is the kind of recipe that begs you to make it your own—swap in what you love or adjust for what you have on hand! Cinnamon Apple Bread is so inviting and flexible; there are countless ways to personalize it for your taste, your season, or your dietary needs.

• Different Apples: Try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter loaf, or go with Pink Lady for a pleasant balance of sweet and tart—each variety brings a new nuance.
• Add Dried Fruit: Fold in a handful of raisins, golden sultanas, or chopped dried cranberries for extra bursts of flavor and texture.
• Go Nut-Free: Simply skip the walnuts, or swap in pepitas or sunflower seeds for added crunch with no nuts.
• Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an even more aromatic, spiced loaf—use your favorite spice blend!

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C if using fan). Spray your loaf pan (about 8.5×4.5 inches) with canola oil, then line the long side and base with a single piece of baking paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. This step makes removal a dream!

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the demerara sugar and cinnamon—this will be sprinkled over the apples on top, giving your Cinnamon Apple Bread that irresistible, sparkly finish. Set the mix aside.

Step 3: Toss the Cinnamon Apples

Mix together your diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the batter—the sugar draws out just enough juice, so the apples bake up sweet and soft without going mushy.

Step 4: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients—brown sugar, yogurt, eggs, oil, and vanilla—until smooth and fully blended. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and fold together until just combined (don’t overmix!).

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Walnuts

Add the cinnamon apples (including any juices) and toasted walnuts (if using) into the batter. Stir gently with a spatula—your dough will be thick and dollop-able, not runny. Scoop the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 6: Arrange the Topping and Bake

Fan out the thin apple slices on top, overlapping slightly. You may only fit about 3/4 of the apple’s worth—use as much as you like! Sprinkle over the cinnamon sugar topping. Bake for 60 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool, Slice & Enjoy

Let your Cinnamon Apple Bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment overhang. Place it on a rack and cool for at least an hour before slicing (if you can resist!). The wait is 100% worth it for neat slices and amazing flavor.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Garnishes

For a delightful finishing touch, dust your Cinnamon Apple Bread with a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving. You can even drizzle a quick vanilla glaze or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a special occasion feel!

Side Dishes

This bread shines all on its own but pairs wonderfully with a piping hot mug of chai, a frothy cappuccino, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (trust me on that one!). It’s also delicious with a crisp apple salad on the side for a fall brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn slices into dessert by gently toasting and serving with vanilla ice cream, or make breakfast parfaits by layering cubes of Cinnamon Apple Bread with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. For gatherings, cut into mini squares for sweet snackable bites—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cinnamon Apple Bread keeps beautifully—just wrap leftovers snugly or pop in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for two days, but for ultimate longevity, keep it in the fridge for up to five days. The bread stays moist and flavorful all week long!

Freezing

If you want to savor a slice days (or weeks!) later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to three months—perfect for a spontaneous homemade treat.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth again, microwave a slice for 20–30 seconds or toast gently in a toaster oven. Bonus: a little butter melting into a warm slab of Cinnamon Apple Bread takes it right over the top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you find baking—and sharing—this Cinnamon Apple Bread as rewarding and heartwarming as I do. There’s nothing quite like the scent of apples and cinnamon drifting through your home, and that first bite is guaranteed to bring a smile. Let me know how it turns out, and happy baking, friend!

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