Cinnamon Apple Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your home with the scent of warm spices and sweet apples, then this Cinnamon Apple Bread is just the thing! This delightful loaf is not only perfect for breakfast but also makes a wonderful snack or dessert. Whether you’re gathering with family on a chilly evening or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Bread so special is its irresistible swirl of brown sugar and tender apples. Topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that even novice bakers can master!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find all the ingredients in your pantry and local grocery store.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet taste of cinnamon and apples – it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weekday breakfast, this bread fits right in.
• Make Ahead Convenience: It stores well, so you can bake it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, apple, and brown sugar creates a comforting flavor that feels like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this scrumptious bread. Most of these items are staples in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes!

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 Mixture

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

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or even berries to mix things up!
• Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Experiment with Spices: Add nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing and flouring an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan ensures that our bread will slide right out when it’s done baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps combine all the dry ingredients evenly before we incorporate them into our wet mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and pale—about 3-4 minutes. This process creates a fluffy base that adds lightness to our bread.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time until they are fully incorporated. Eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to our loaf.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients & Milk

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding half of the flour mixture with half of the milk. This helps prevent clumping. Once combined nicely, add in the remaining flour mixture and milk until just mixed together.

Step 6: Prepare Apples

In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped apples with light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this aside; these will provide that delicious swirl in our bread!

Step 7: Create Topping Mix

For a delightful topping, combine brown sugar with additional cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will give our bread that sweet crunch on top.

Step 8: Build Your Layers

Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan followed by half of your apple mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl gently through—don’t overdo it! Then pour in the rest of the batter followed by remaining apples and swirl again lightly before sprinkling on your topping mix.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached—this means those soft apples are doing their job!

Step 10: Cool & Glaze

Once baked beautifully golden brown, let your bread cool in the pan for about 15 – 20 minutes. While cooling, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. After transferring your bread onto a cooling rack, drizzle that glaze over while it’s still warm for maximum sweetness!

Now you have a lovely loaf of Cinnamon Apple Bread ready to slice up! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Bread

Baking this delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread is a breeze with these helpful tips that will ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh apples not only add moisture but also enhance the flavor of your bread. Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep your loaf light and airy.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool completely helps set the flavors and makes slicing easier, preventing mushy pieces.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice to the batter for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.

• Store properly: To keep your bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is not only delicious but also versatile! Here are some creative ways to present this delightful treat that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze for added crunch and flavor.
• Fresh apple slices: Serve with thin slices of fresh apple on the side for a refreshing contrast and lovely presentation.
• Whipped cream or non-dairy alternative: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy touch that complements the sweet flavors of the bread.

Side Dishes

• Yogurt parfaits: Pair your bread with yogurt layered with granola and fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast option.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the bread.
• Tea or coffee: Serve alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack experience. The warmth enhances the cinnamon aroma.
• Vegan butter spread: Offer some vegan butter as a spread option; it adds creaminess without overpowering the flavors of your delicious bread.

With these serving suggestions, your Cinnamon Apple Bread will shine on any table, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon treat! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious bread fresh.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread.

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

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute apples with pears or even mix in some berries for a different flavor profile.

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Bread so special?

The combination of tender bread infused with warm cinnamon and sweet apples, topped with a lovely glaze, makes this Cinnamon Apple Bread irresistible!

How long does it take to make Cinnamon Apple Bread?

From start to finish, you can expect this delicious bread to take about 65 minutes – including preparation and baking time!

Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Bread vegan?

Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Cinnamon Apple Bread as much as I do! It’s a cozy recipe that brings warmth and sweetness into your home. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a slice alone, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out!