There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh Apple Cinnamon Bread baking in the oven. Warm, soft, and filled with chunks of juicy apples and swirls of cinnamon sugar, this quick bread is pure comfort in every slice. It’s simple to make, ready in about an hour, and perfect to enjoy with coffee, tea, or as a sweet snack any time of day.
What makes Apple Cinnamon Bread special
Quick bread
A bread made without yeast. Instead, it uses baking powder or soda, which means no rising time—just mix and bake.
Swirl effect
The layered look you get when brown sugar and cinnamon are folded or sprinkled between the batter. It creates pockets of flavor and makes the bread look bakery-style.
Crumb texture
Refers to the softness and small air pockets inside the bread. A good apple bread should be moist but not soggy, tender yet firm enough to slice.
This recipe combines all three in one loaf. The apples give natural sweetness and moisture, the cinnamon sugar swirl adds a warm spiced flavor, and the quick-bread style means you don’t have to wait hours before enjoying a slice.
Why you will love this Apple Cinnamon Bread
● Moist and tender with chunks of fresh apple in every bite
● Ready in about an hour without the fuss of yeast or long rising times
● Versatile enough for breakfast, snack, or dessert
● Freezer-friendly so you can make ahead and enjoy later
● Customizable with different flours, milk types, and add-ins like nuts or raisins
Most articles stop here, but let’s go further. This bread isn’t only about taste—it’s about flexibility. You can bake it in a standard loaf pan, turn it into muffins, or prepare smaller mini-loaves for gifting. You can even use it as the base for French toast the next day, giving your breakfast an upgrade that feels gourmet.
Ingredient spotlight
All-purpose flour
Provides structure. Swap with half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or with a gluten-free blend for dietary needs.
Butter
Adds richness and moisture. If you want a lighter loaf, replace half with unsweetened applesauce.
Sugar (white and brown)
Granulated sugar sweetens the batter, while brown sugar adds a caramel note to the swirl. For healthier alternatives, try coconut sugar or Monkfruit sweetener.
Cinnamon
The soul of the recipe. Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for the best aroma.
Milk
Adds moisture and helps blend the batter. Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat, or soy.
Eggs
Bind everything together. For a vegan version, substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Vanilla extract
Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Chopped apples
The star. Keep them in small chunks for texture, or grate half the apple for added moisture.
This breakdown ensures you know what each ingredient does and how to adjust it to fit your needs—something that transforms a good recipe into a flexible one.
Data-rich ingredient table
| Ingredient | Standard Amount | Substitution Ideas | Purpose in Recipe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flour | 1 ½ cups | 50% whole wheat, gluten-free blend | Structure and body |
| Butter | ½ cup | ¼ cup butter + ¼ cup applesauce | Richness, moisture |
| Granulated sugar | ⅔ cup | Coconut sugar, Monkfruit | Sweetness |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup (for swirl) | Coconut sugar + molasses | Caramel flavor |
| Eggs | 2 large | Flax eggs (vegan) | Binding |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Almond extract for variation | Flavor depth |
| Milk | ½ cup | Almond, oat, soy milk | Moisture |
| Apple | 1 ½ cups chopped | Mix Granny Smith + Fuji | Texture and flavor |
| Cinnamon | 1 ½ tsp | Pumpkin pie spice blend | Warm spice profile |
Step by step Apple Cinnamon Bread recipe
Preparing the cinnamon sugar mixture
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until blended. Set this mixture aside—you’ll use it to create the swirl layers later.
Prepping the apples
Peel your apples and chop them into small, even pieces about the size of a thumbnail. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures even baking. If you prefer a softer texture, grate half of the apple and chop the rest.
Creaming butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. This step is important because it adds air to the batter, which keeps the bread tender.
Adding eggs and vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. At this stage, the batter will look slightly soupy, which is normal.
Mixing dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the bread dense.
Incorporating milk
Pour in the milk gradually, stirring until it blends smoothly into the batter. The texture should now be creamy and thick but still easy to pour.
Assembling the bread for baking
First layer
Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour half the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
Adding apples and cinnamon sugar
Scatter half of the chopped apples over the batter. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Second layer
Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the surface. Top with the rest of the apples and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar.
Creating the swirl effect
For a beautiful bakery-style swirl, run a butter knife gently through the layers in a zig-zag motion. This step is optional but adds a lovely marbled look.
Baking instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the loaf pan on the middle rack. Bake for 50–55 minutes, checking at the 45-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring the bread to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Storage and reheating tips on Apple Cinnamon Bread
Room temperature storage
Cover the bread with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezer storage
Slice the bread into portions, wrap each slice tightly in cling wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer bag. Stored this way, it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave a slice for 15 seconds to enjoy it warm and soft, almost like it just came out of the oven. If reheating from frozen, defrost first for best results.
Mini loaf variation
If you’d like to make smaller loaves, divide the batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar mixture evenly into three mini pans (5.75 x 3 inches each). Bake at the same temperature for 25–30 minutes. This option is perfect for gifting or portion control.
Frequently asked questions on Apple Cinnamon Bread
Can Apple Cinnamon Bread be frozen
Yes. Slice the bread, wrap each piece in cling wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep fresh for up to three months. Defrost at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
What apples are best for baking bread
Granny Smith apples are popular because they are tart and hold their shape. Fuji and Gala are also great for natural sweetness. Mixing tart and sweet varieties gives the best flavor balance.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free
Yes. Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum can help with structure if your mix does not already include it.
Can I make it vegan
Yes. Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. The texture will be slightly denser, but still delicious.
Pro tips for perfect results
● Do not overmix the batter, or the bread will turn dense
● Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for maximum flavor
● Let the bread cool fully before slicing for neat pieces
● Keep the loaf whole instead of slicing right away to maintain moisture longer
● Try grating half the apple for extra softness while leaving chunks for texture
Serving ideas
Apple Cinnamon Bread is delicious on its own, but here are creative ways to enjoy it:
● Toast a slice and spread with butter or cream cheese
● Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert
● Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee
● Use leftovers for French toast or bread pudding
Notes
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Store at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
-
Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Defrost before eating.
-
For mini loaves, divide into three pans (5.75 x 3 inches each) and bake 25–30 minutes.
-
Mix tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, 8 servings)
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Calories: 342 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 53 g
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Protein: 4.5 g
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Fat: 13.2 g
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Saturated Fat: 7.9 g
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Cholesterol: 73 mg
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Sodium: 110 mg
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Fiber: 1.6 g
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Sugar: 33.2 g
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Potassium: 198 mg
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Calcium: 88 mg
Recipe Information
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 50–55 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour
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Method: Baking
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Cuisine: American
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Servings: 8
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Calories: 342
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Yield: 1 loaf
Conclusion on Apple Cinnamon Bread
Apple Cinnamon Bread is more than a quick loaf—it’s a cozy treat that brings warmth to any season. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and plenty of flexibility for substitutions, this bread can become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven, frozen for later, or transformed into French toast, it never fails to deliver comfort and flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, set aside.
- Peel and chop apples into small, even pieces.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Pour in milk and mix until the batter is creamy.
- Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Layer half the batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar, then repeat.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack and slice once fully cooled.
Notes
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Defrost before eating.
- For mini loaves, divide into three pans (5.75 x 3 inches each) and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Mix tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, 8 servings)
- Calories: 342 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Fat: 13.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.9 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Sugar: 33.2 g
- Potassium: 198 mg
- Calcium: 88 mg
