There is something genuinely heartwarming about homemade Apple Bread, a treat that brings together the cozy spice of cinnamon with the sweet freshness of crisp apples. This Apple Bread recipe is a true celebration of fall flavors but is just as delightful any time of the year. Its tender crumb, speckled with chunks of juicy apples and swirled with cinnamon sugar, makes each bite irresistibly moist and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a charming contribution to a brunch, this Apple Bread will quickly become one of your pantry’s most beloved staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a lengthy list to whip up this delicious Apple Bread. The ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a vital role. From the warm spices to the fresh apples, everything works together to create that perfect balance of moist texture, sweet flavor, and enticing aroma.

Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and a tender crumb to the bread.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that unmistakable warm spiciness that complements the apples beautifully.
Large eggs, room temperature: Help bind the ingredients and add richness for a soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread evenly and balances the spices.
Butter, melted: Adds moisture and a lovely buttery flavor, ensuring the bread is tender.
Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving structure and a fine crumb.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light and airy texture.
Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to ensure perfect lift and browning.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp): Fresh, peeled, and chopped apples add bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and get your loaf pan ready by greasing and lightly flouring it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the Apple Bread will come out easily without sticking, setting a smooth foundation for baking.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will later create those decadent swirls and layers of warm, sweet flavor in the bread, making every slice a delight.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs together with granulated sugar until they’re beautifully combined and slightly frothy. Then add the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is smooth. This mixture is what binds and flavors the Apple Bread so perfectly.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

To your wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently just until everything comes together—the batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for a moist and hearty bread.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently mix in the chopped apples. These juicy apples are the stars of the show, bringing freshness and texture to every bite. Folding them in carefully keeps the chunks intact and evenly distributed.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle about three-quarters of your cinnamon sugar mix over the top. Spread the remaining batter over the sugar layer and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl the sugar into the batter—it creates beautiful streaks and adds that signature Apple Bread touch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Let the Apple Bread cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier so each piece holds its shape beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a smear of soft butter can elevate the Apple Bread effortlessly. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add a wonderful crunch and visual appeal that’s sure to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

This Apple Bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a fuller meal, try serving it alongside creamy yogurt, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a bowl of cinnamon-spiced porridge to complement and enhance those apple and spice notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming brunch centerpiece, arrange slices of Apple Bread with fresh fruit, a small bowl of whipped cream, and some toasted pecans. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with cream cheese or nut butter for a quick twist that amplifies the flavors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator if you’d like it to last a bit longer, up to a week. This keeps it moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

Apple Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf or individual slices well in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring Apple Bread back to life, pop slices in a toaster oven or microwave just until warm. This quick reheating enhances the moistness and releases the wonderful cinnamon aroma fresh again, making it taste freshly baked in minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Bread?

Absolutely! While Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully due to their sweetness and firmness, you can experiment with Granny Smith for a tangier twist or Fuji for an extra juicy texture. Just be sure to peel and chop them evenly.

Is it possible to make this Apple Bread gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can create a gluten-free version. Just be mindful that you may need to adjust the liquids slightly depending on the blend’s absorbency.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins adds a lovely crunch or chewy texture and pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon. Toss them in along with the apples during the folding step.

How do I know when the Apple Bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Apple Bread is perfectly baked. Don’t rely solely on timing, as oven temperatures can vary.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins using this recipe?

Yes! This batter works well for mini loaves or muffins. Adjust the baking time accordingly—expect muffins to take 18 to 22 minutes and mini loaves about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm, inviting way to bring simple ingredients together and fill your kitchen with the most comforting scents. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or enjoy it as leftovers, it has the power to make any moment special. I truly hope you give this Apple Bread a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to treat!

Apple Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Bread is a delightful fall treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweet apples in a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bread is easy to make and filled with chunks of fresh apples for a delicious fruity bite.

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for layering later.
Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, which helps incorporate air for a lighter bread.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg mixture until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; the batter will be thick, so avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer.
Add Remaining Batter and Sugar: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top and use a knife or spoon to gently swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread starts browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

Notes

Use firm apples like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix better.
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bread tender.
If you don’t have an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan, a similar-sized baking dish will work, but adjust baking time accordingly.
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 75g)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 165mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall recipes, breakfast bread, easy apple recipes