Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is pure cozy comfort in a loaf! With each tender, cinnamon-kissed bite, you get the perfect balance of sweet apples and warm spice—no fancy equipment or special skills required. It’s the ultimate quick bread for family breakfasts, afternoon coffee breaks, or anytime you need a taste of fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is its simplicity: just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create a magical loaf. Each component brings something special to the bread’s flavor, texture, or irresistible golden crust.

• Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): For that signature, deep, caramel sweetness in the cinnamon swirl.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): The key spice for warmth, earthiness, and classic apple pie flavor.
• Apple (1 large; Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith): Fresh, juicy apple chunks make every slice moist and fruity. Choose a crisp apple for the best texture.
• Granulated White Sugar (⅔ cup): Keeps the bread perfectly sweet, balanced by the tart apple.
• Salted Butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Eggs (2 large): Essential for binding the ingredients and giving structure.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors with a beautiful fragrance.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Gives the bread its sturdy-yet-soft foundation—don’t substitute whole wheat unless you like a heartier loaf.
• Baking Powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Lifts and lightens the batter as it bakes.
• Sea Salt (pinch): Enhances the flavors and balances all the sweet notes.
• Milk (½ cup): Moistens the batter so your loaf bakes up fluffy and luscious.

Variations

The Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is wonderfully flexible—so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it! Whether you want something a tad healthier, dairy-free, or just crave a little extra crunch, there’s a version for you.

• Mini Loaves: Use mini loaf pans and enjoy adorable, shareable portions or gifts; just reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
• Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch and extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute a vegan butter and your favorite non-dairy milk for a lactose-free loaf without compromising moistness.
• Apple-Pear Twist: Use half apple and half pear for a mellow, fragrant variation with a unique fruity combo.

How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Make Your Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Give it a quick stir so everything blends evenly—this sweet spiced mixture will deliver swirls of flavor throughout your bread.

Step 2: Prep the Apples

Peel the apple and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Smaller chunks mean you’ll get juicy apple bits in every mouthful, and they’ll bake perfectly tender.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together using a hand or stand mixer on low to medium speed. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little grainy and chunky at this stage—that’s totally normal!

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing on low/medium until the batter becomes smooth and a bit soupy, with no big chunks remaining.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Milk

Sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir gently until mostly incorporated, then pour in the milk. Switch to a spoon and mix just until you have a creamy, smooth batter—don’t overmix, or the bread could turn dense.

Step 6: Layer the Batter, Apples, and Cinnamon Sugar

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour in half of the batter, smoothing it out. Sprinkle half the chopped apples, then half of your cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the top. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon mixture, so there are lovely swirls throughout.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the loaf at 350°F (175°C) on the center rack for 50–55 minutes. Test with a toothpick—if it comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine!), your bread is ready. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove, slice, and serve warm or at room temp.

How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread is already stunning with its cinnamon sugar marbled top, but for a finishing touch, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze looks beautiful and adds a hint of sweetness. Try a light smear of softened butter while the bread is still warm—pure comfort food bliss!

Side Dishes

Serve your Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast, or pair it with a cinnamon latte or spiced tea for a cozy snack. For dessert, enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a handful of toasted nuts for crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve on a rustic wooden board with tiny jars of honey and soft butter for brunch. Make mini loaves to hand out as charming, homemade gifts. Or, cut into thick slices and cube for apple cinnamon bread pudding or a delicious breakfast trifle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store slices (or the whole loaf) at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. The flavor continues to deepen as the spices bloom—making each day even tastier!

Freezing

Wrap the cooled bread tightly in cling wrap and then a layer of foil. Pop it into a freezer bag—whole or in individual slices—for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

Reheating

If you like your bread warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or pop them into a toaster oven just until heated through. A pat of butter on a warmed slice truly takes it over the top!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe at home. It’s simple, soul-warming, and perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Don’t wait for fall to bake a loaf—this little slice of happiness is a treat for any season!

Print