Cinnamon Apple Bread

If you’re looking for a warm and cozy treat that fills your home with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, then this Cinnamon Apple Bread is just what you need! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my family for years. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting dessert or for family gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones. The tender loaf, with its scrumptious swirl of brown sugar and apples, truly makes every bite special.

What I love most about this Cinnamon Apple Bread is how it combines simple ingredients to create something magical. Topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious bread ready to bake.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Perfectly Moist: The chopped apples keep this bread wonderfully moist and flavorful.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and store it for quick snacks throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple Bread is part of the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you need:

For the Bread

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Apple Filling

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces)

For the Topping

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

• 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water

Variations

What I love about this Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the apples.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing and flouring your loaf pan now ensures that your delicious Cinnamon Apple Bread doesn’t stick later!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent so your bread rises beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until smooth and pale—about 3-4 minutes. Scraping down the sides ensures everything is well mixed!

Step 4: Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. This helps create a fluffy texture in your bread.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, add half of your flour mixture followed by half of the milk. Then mix in the remaining flour mixture and milk until combined. This method prevents overmixing which keeps your bread tender.

Step 6: Prepare Apple Mixture

In another bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples. This mixture will create that delicious swirl throughout your bread!

Step 7: Create Topping Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon for your topping. Set it aside; we’ll sprinkle this on top later!

Step 8: Layer Your Batter

Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan followed by half of your apple mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through without overdoing it—this creates beautiful layers!

Step 9: Add Remaining Batter

Top off with remaining batter followed by remaining apple mixture. Swirl again lightly using a knife before sprinkling with topping mixture.

Step 10: Bake Your Bread

Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; we want just a few moist crumbs sticking!

Step 11: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. While cooling, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread once removed from pan—then slice into delightful pieces!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Bread

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help ensure your Cinnamon Apple Bread turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature promotes a smooth batter and helps the bread rise evenly.
• Don’t skip the swirling: Lightly swirling the apple mixture into the batter creates beautiful marbling and ensures each slice is packed with flavor. Just be careful not to overdo it!
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread at the 45-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
• Cool before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool completely before cutting helps maintain its structure and prevents it from falling apart.
• Store properly: To keep your bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Serving Cinnamon Apple Bread can be as fun as baking it! Here are some creative ideas to present this delicious treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Fresh apple slices: A few thin slices of fresh apple on the side add a refreshing touch that complements the bread’s sweetness.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top of the glaze enhances the aromatic spices in the bread.

Side Dishes

• Yogurt: A dollop of plain or flavored yogurt pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the bread and adds creaminess to each bite.
• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a fresh contrast and balances out the rich flavors of the Cinnamon Apple Bread.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy pairing, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat.
• Ice cream: For a delightful dessert experience, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream that melts beautifully over the bread.

Enjoy your baking journey and delight in every slice of this heartwarming Cinnamon Apple Bread!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it properly, and enjoy its delicious flavors for days to come.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• Thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• To warm individual slices, use a toaster or microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a whole loaf, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cinnamon Apple Bread:

Can I use other fruits in this Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or berries. Just be mindful of their moisture content, which may affect baking time.

How do I know when my Cinnamon Apple Bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Is this Cinnamon Apple Bread suitable for breakfast?

Yes! This Cinnamon Apple Bread makes a delightful breakfast treat. It’s perfect paired with coffee or tea for a cozy morning.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it’s suitable for baking and adjust other ingredients as needed.

How should I serve Cinnamon Apple Bread?

Serve it plain, drizzled with glaze, or toasted with a bit of butter. It’s great on its own but can also be paired with cream cheese or yogurt!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread as much as I do! Its warm flavors and comforting scent will fill your kitchen with joy. Whether you savor it at breakfast or indulge as a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your delicious creations!