Cinnamon Apple Bread (Moist, Sweet, and Perfect for Fall!)

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is the perfect way to welcome fall! Packed with tender chunks of fresh apples, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a buttery crumble, this bread is moist, flavorful, and the ultimate cozy treat. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, this apple bread is easy to make and fills your home with the comforting smell of cinnamon and apples. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn day!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread

• Moist & Flavorful: Each bite is tender and full of sweet apples and warm cinnamon.
• Perfect for Fall: This bread is packed with the best flavors of the season—apples and cinnamon!
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe perfect for beginners.
• Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of glaze for your own twist.
• Great for Gifting: This bread makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially during the holidays.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1 ½ cups (190g / 0.42 lb) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (115g / 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g / 0.33 lb) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 ½ cups (180g / 0.4 lb) peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• ¼ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumble Topping (Optional)

• ¼ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (30g / 0.06 lb) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

1. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
   In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bread Batter

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Milk:
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the Apples:
   Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Layer the Bread

1. First Layer:
   Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
   Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
3. Second Layer:
   Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping (Optional)

1. Mix the Topping:
   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle the Crumble:
   Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top of the bread batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Bake:
   Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
2. Cool:
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cinnamon apple bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Serve with a spread of butter or enjoy it on its own with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Notes

• Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for baking because of their tartness, but any firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji will work.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezer-Friendly: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You can also mix in raisins or dried cranberries.
• Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just note that the bread may be a bit denser.

What other spices can I add?
In addition to cinnamon, you can add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for more warm flavors.

Can I make this bread without the crumble topping?
Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, but the crumble adds a nice texture. If you prefer, you can skip it and still have a fantastic loaf.

How do I keep the bread from becoming too dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy bread.

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
You can use applesauce for a softer texture, but the bread may not have the same chunkiness and slight tartness from fresh apples.

Tips and Notes

• My Tip: If you want a little more moisture and sweetness, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of applesauce to the batter along with the apples.
• Pro Trick: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart. It slices much more cleanly when fully cooled.
• Serving Suggestion: Toast a slice and slather it with butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Turn this bread into muffins by dividing the batter into a lined muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
• Cinnamon Apple Streusel Bread: Add more crumble topping to create a thicker streusel layer for extra crunch.
• Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the bread after it cools for a caramel apple twist.
• Healthy Cinnamon Apple Bread: Replace the butter with coconut oil or applesauce, and use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a healthier version.
• Gluten-Free Apple Bread: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the bread gluten-free.