Name: Cinnamon Apple Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (or oil); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and chopped; Optional: 2 tablespoons cinnamon-sugar mix for topping/swirl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-make bread combines the cozy flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a quick bread. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, comes together without yeast, and stays moist for days. Whether you enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or chilled with coffee, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Milk or buttermilk
Unsalted butter (melted) or oil
Vanilla extract
Apples (peeled and chopped)
Optional cinnamon-sugar topping

Directions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
Combine: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Layer (optional): For a cinnamon swirl, pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mix, then top with the remaining batter and more cinnamon-sugar.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cool and serve: Once fully cooled, slice and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 standard loaf (about 8–10 slices).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Glazed Apple Bread: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after cooling.
Nutty twist: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Apple spice blend: Add nutmeg and allspice for a deeper spice profile.
Whole wheat: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Applesauce version: Replace some or all of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave slices for about 15–20 seconds or toast for a crisp edge.

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for apple bread?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best as they hold their shape during baking.

Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.

Why is my apple bread too dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work well and keep the bread extra moist.

Is this recipe suitable for muffins?

Absolutely. Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the peels on if you prefer a more rustic bread.

Can I add raisins or dried fruit?

Yes, fold in up to 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if the batter is too wet or the bread is underbaked. Be sure to test doneness with a toothpick.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can slightly reduce both the white and brown sugar without affecting the structure of the bread.

Is this bread freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Bread is the perfect cozy bake that fills your kitchen with the smell of fall and your plate with comforting flavor. Moist, sweet, and spiced just right, this loaf is easy enough for a weekday bake but special enough to share with friends and family. Whether served warm with butter or on its own, every slice is a taste of homemade goodness.