There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Apple Cinnamon Bread wafting through your kitchen on a crisp morning. This cozy loaf combines tender chunks of apple with a ribbon of cinnamon sugar, all nestled in a soft, buttery crumb. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a comforting afternoon snack, Apple Cinnamon Bread promises warmth and nostalgia in every bite, making it a must-bake for any home baker craving the flavors of fall.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Cinnamon Bread calls for simple pantry staples and a few special touches. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a loaf that’s bursting with flavor, perfectly moist, and irresistibly aromatic. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder: Gives the loaf a gentle rise and airy texture.
Baking soda: Works with the sour cream (or yogurt) to help the bread stay soft and light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, adding warmth and that classic aroma.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch gives extra depth and coziness.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the loaf moist; make sure it’s at room temp for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and forms the beautiful cinnamon swirl.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
Vanilla extract: A splash brings out all the subtle flavors in the batter.
Sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the bread incredibly tender and adds a gentle tang that pairs perfectly with apples.
Peeled and diced apples: Use crisp, fresh apples for the best texture and juicy pops of flavor in each bite.
Cinnamon sugar swirl: 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon create the signature marbled effect and a delightfully sweet crunch.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This step helps ensure the Apple Cinnamon Bread comes out easily and bakes evenly with beautiful golden edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these first distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the bread, so every slice is packed with flavor and rises just right.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer (or some good old elbow grease) to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates pockets of air that help the loaf rise, and gives the bread its signature tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This step ensures a smooth, cohesive batter and gently enriches the flavor.

Step 5: Mix in the Sour Cream

Add the sour cream (or yogurt) and mix until the batter is smooth and creamy. This not only adds moisture but also brings a subtle tang, making your Apple Cinnamon Bread extra special.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently and just until combined. Overmixing can make the loaf tough, so stop once you don’t see big streaks of flour. The batter will be thick and luscious.

Step 7: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the peeled, diced apples. Every bite should have plenty of juicy apple pieces—this is where the bread gets its magic!

Step 8: Layer and Swirl the Batter

In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the swirl. Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar. Add the remaining batter, top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar, and use a knife to create gentle swirls. This step is what makes the Apple Cinnamon Bread a feast for the eyes and palate!

Step 9: Bake, Cool, and Slice

Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience is key—slicing too soon can make the bread crumbly!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

For a bakery-worthy finish, dust with powdered sugar or add a pat of creamy butter to a warm slice. A bonus drizzle of light glaze or honey can dress it up for special occasions. The cinnamon sugar top gives the bread its own delightful crunch and sparkle.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Cinnamon Bread with a mug of spiced tea, rich coffee, or a cold glass of milk. It’s also wonderful alongside a bowl of yogurt and fresh berries for a complete breakfast or mid-morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the loaf into thick slices and arrange on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch centerpiece. For a fun twist, cube the bread and serve with caramel dip, or toast slices and top with vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert that feels like pure comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Cinnamon Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and storing at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, so the bread is often even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Slice the cooled loaf, wrap individual slices in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag. Perfect for grabbing a quick treat later—Apple Cinnamon Bread can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked comfort, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven. A quick toast adds a little crunch and revives that irresistible aroma.

FAQs

What type Breakfast, Snack, Dessert

Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape and add bright flavor. Feel free to blend varieties for extra dimension!

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully and keeps the bread moist. Regular yogurt also does the trick in a pinch.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If in doubt, give it a few more minutes, as underbaked bread can become gooey in the middle.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or raisins with the apples for added texture and nutty flavor. It’s a tasty twist on classic Apple Cinnamon Bread.

Is Apple Cinnamon Bread suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! Serve up thick slices as part of a breakfast spread, or simply warm a piece and enjoy with your morning coffee. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and just sweet enough to start your day right.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cinnamon Bread is one of those recipes that’s sure to become a forever favorite, whether you’re brunching with friends or cozying up at home. Give it a try and discover just how deliciously comforting homemade baking can be—don’t be surprised if your kitchen fills with happy people asking for seconds!

Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and aromatic Apple Cinnamon Bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This moist and flavorful quick bread is filled with chunks of tender apples and a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the sour cream until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Create Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the 1/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the swirl. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, then top with the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Swirl gently with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.