Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Nothing beats the cozy, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s loaded with warm spices and sweet apples. If you’re looking for a delicious, straightforward treat that feels like a hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe. I absolutely love how this bread combines tender chunks of apple with a gentle cinnamon sweetness, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even a simple dessert. Stick around—I’m spilling all the tips and tricks so your bread comes out perfectly every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that the ingredients for this Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe are super simple but work so well together to build layers of flavor. Each item plays a role—from the apples for moisture and texture to the cinnamon and sugars for that nostalgic warmth.

• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and pairs beautifully with cinnamon for the topping.
• Cinnamon: The star spice here, it gives the bread that classic warm flavor we crave this time of year.
• Apple: I love using Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith because they hold up well after baking but still stay juicy.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the apple’s natural tartness.
• Salted Butter: Softened butter enriches the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and enhances the sweet-spicy flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the bread—make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and stay light.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out flavors.
• Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the bread soft.

Variations

I love making this easy apple cinnamon bread with some tweaks here and there to keep it feeling fresh. You can easily customize to your taste or dietary needs—and the added twists often get great reactions from my family.

• Add Nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast—the texture is fantastic and adds a nutty warmth.
• Swap Apples: Using tart Granny Smiths is great, but sweet Fuji apples give a softer, sweeter bite if you prefer.
• Make it Gluten-Free: I’ve tried this with a gluten-free flour blend, and while the texture changes a bit, it’s still moist and yummy.
• Mini Loaves: For gift-giving or portion control, making mini loaves is super easy and perfect for sharing (just reduce baking time to about half).

How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar and Prep Apples

Start by combining the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl—this is going to be your sweet, spicy layer in the bread, and trust me, it’s magic. Then peel your apple and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. I learned the hard way that if your chunks are too big, the bread won’t rise evenly, so keeping them small ensures every bite has a nice balance of apple without sinking into the batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s grainy and mixed well but not fully smooth. Don’t rush this part—if you cream too aggressively or speed it up too fast, the temperature of your butter may rise and affect the final texture. I usually use a hand mixer on low-medium speed for about 2 minutes here, just enough to combine.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue mixing on low/medium until the mixture becomes runny and smooth without large chunks. The eggs add needed moisture and structure here, so make sure they’re at room temperature for the best incorporation.

Step 4: Stir in Dry Ingredients and Milk

Time to add your flour, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix these carefully into the wet ingredients just until combined—overmixing can make the bread tough. Then, pour in the milk and gently stir everything until the batter is smooth but don’t fuss it too much; a few small lumps are okay.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and start building your bread layers: half the batter goes in first, then half the chopped apples, followed by half the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat the layering one more time so you get those beautiful pockets of apple and cinnamon throughout the bread. Bake at 350°F on the middle rack for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the bread sit in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing to help it set up nicely.

How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this bread, I like to top slices with a light spread of butter—sometimes honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if I want a little extra sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it feel like a treat, especially on chilly days.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm coffee or tea for breakfast or snack time. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside creamy soups like butternut squash or pumpkin, where the sweetness and spice complement savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun brunch, I’ve arranged mini slices on a pretty platter dusted lightly with cinnamon sugar and garnished with fresh apple slices on the side. Serving it warm with a side of cream cheese spread felt like such a special upgrade. If you’re gifting it, wrapping individual mini loaves in parchment paper with a ribbon is an instant hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover apple cinnamon bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to a week. It stays moist if you cover it well to prevent drying out. Sometimes I’ll re-toast slices lightly before serving to revive a bit of crispness on the outside.

Freezing

Freezing this bread works great! I slice it first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into a freezer bag. When I want a quick bite, I just let it thaw at room temp or microwave for about 20 seconds until warm—it tastes almost freshly baked.

Reheating

To get that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe back, I gently warm slices in the toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long or you’ll lose the lovely texture and become rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe has become my go-to for a sweet but still wholesome treat that feels like a warm embrace. Every time I bake it, the house smells incredible, and my family begs for more slices. Whether you’re making it for a busy morning or a cozy weekend brunch, I highly recommend giving it a try—you’ll appreciate how effortless it is and how insanely delicious it turns out. Plus, once you master this, you might just find yourself experimenting with your own unique swirls and toppings. Happy baking!

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