Name: Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 pinches salt; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped

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I absolutely love sharing this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe because it perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall wrapped into every loaf. It’s a moist, tender bread bursting with sweet chunks of fresh apple and a warm kiss of cinnamon that feels like a hug in every bite. I remember the first time I baked it and the way my kitchen smelled made me so excited to dive in — it’s one of those recipes that instantly feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

What makes this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe truly special for me is its delicious balance of sweet and spice. The cinnamon blends beautifully with the nutmeg to give just enough warmth, while the fresh apples provide a subtle sweetness and a delightful texture that keeps every slice interesting. It’s not too heavy or overly sweet, which means I can enjoy a slice any time of day — for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. I often find myself sneaking an extra piece just because it tastes so comforting and fresh!

This recipe is also incredibly easy to whip up, which is a huge bonus in my book. I don’t have to fuss with complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients — everything is straightforward and pantry-friendly. That makes it perfect for busy weekdays when I want something homemade but need to be mindful of time. Plus, it’s great for sharing at family gatherings or casual get-togethers. It stands out because of how reliably moist and flavorful it turns out every single time, which isn’t always easy with fruit breads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a light brown, thick batter layer filling the bowl. On top of this batter sits a mound of small, pale yellow diced apple pieces. A white spoon lies partially buried in the batter near the apple pieces. In the background, there is another white bowl with more diced apples visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe are wonderfully simple, but each plays an essential role in creating the fantastic texture and flavor I adore. From the all-purpose flour providing structure to the ground cinnamon and nutmeg that build the cozy spice, every element serves a delicious purpose.

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the bread and gives it a tender crumb.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with browning.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents ensure the bread rises nicely and stays light.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy warmth that complements the apples.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the bread its classic cozy flavor.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bread’s richness and softness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without making it greasy.
Whole milk: Adds a bit of creaminess for tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Brings out the sweetness and layers of flavor.
Fresh apples: Peeled and finely chopped for juicy bursts and natural sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This helps ensure your bread will slide out easily once baked.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mixing all the dry ingredients well at this stage will make sure your bread’s flavors are evenly balanced.

Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The wet mixture should look glossy and slightly thick.

Step 4: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently and just until everything is combined — be careful not to overmix because that can make the bread dense.

Step 5: Fold the finely chopped apples into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed without smashing them. This keeps those lovely apple chunks intact and juicy.

Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface for baking.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s important to keep an eye on the last 10 minutes to avoid over-baking.

Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps finish cooking the bread gently and makes slicing easier.

Servings and Timing

This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe makes about 12 servings, which is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying throughout the week. The prep time is just 15 minutes, thanks to the simple steps and hands-on approach. You’ll need to bake it for about 1 hour, then allow at least 10 minutes for cooling before slicing. Altogether, the total time from start to finish is roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it a wonderful choice when you want a homemade treat without all-day effort.

How to Serve This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

A thick slice of brown apple bread with visible chunks of apple inside rests on a round white speckled plate. Behind the slice, two large pieces of the same bread sit upright on a wooden board, showing their dense texture. To the left, three fresh yellow and red apples add by their smooth surface, and close to the front left edge of the image, there is a small white ceramic pitcher filled with honey with a drop near its spout. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a beige striped cloth partially visible in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I like to slice this Apple Cinnamon Bread either warm or at room temperature because both bring out different qualities of the loaf. Warm slices feel comforting and soft, almost like a hug on a chilly morning. I often spread a little butter or cream cheese right on top which melts into the bread, making each bite even more indulgent.

This bread pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages — I’m a fan of a steaming cup of chai tea or a freshly brewed coffee to complement the cinnamon’s spice notes. For an afternoon treat, it’s delightful alongside a glass of cold milk or even a cinnamon-spiked apple cider. During holiday gatherings or cozy brunches, I sometimes garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for an elegant touch.

It’s perfect for so many occasions — from casual family breakfasts to festive parties. I like to slice it into generous pieces, about an inch thick, so everyone gets a satisfying portion. You can also cut smaller slices for finger-food style at potlucks, making it easy to share and enjoy together while chatting.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is how adaptable it is! If you want a slightly healthier twist, swapping half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds nuttiness and fiber without sacrificing tenderness. For a dairy-free or vegan version, I recommend using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and replacing the eggs with flax eggs or mashed bananas — both work remarkably well here.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of fruity sweetness. I sometimes experiment by using different spices like ginger or cardamom along with cinnamon for a unique flavor spin that still feels warm and cozy.

In terms of cooking methods, while baking in a loaf pan produces the classic shape and texture, you could try making muffins with this batter for portable, individual treats — just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes. I’ve even tried baking it in a bundt pan to create a bread that looks stunning on the table and cuts into lovely thick slices.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), I find the best way to store this bread is by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration will extend its life to around 5 days, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to restore that soft texture.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully, which is a lifesaver when you want to bake ahead. I recommend slicing the bread first and placing pieces in a freezer bag separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. It keeps well frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw slices overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours for the best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover apple cinnamon bread is in a toaster oven or regular oven at about 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This method crisps the edges slightly while warming the crumb through, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can make the bread soggy or chewy. A quick warm-up with a light spread of butter or cream cheese feels just heavenly and fresh all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! I love using sweet, crisp apples like Fuji or Gala, but tart varieties like Granny Smith also work well to balance the sweetness. Just make sure to peel and finely chop them so they cook evenly in the bread.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. I recommend blends that already include xanthan gum for better binding. Baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes.

Can I add a glaze or frosting on top?

Definitely! A simple powdered sugar glaze made with lemon juice or milk adds a lovely sweet shine. Cream cheese frosting also pairs wonderfully with the apple and cinnamon flavors for a decadent treat perfect for celebrations.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is inserting a toothpick or thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If there’s still wet batter, it needs more time. Start checking at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

While fresh apples provide texture and juiciness, you can experiment with applesauce for a softer, moister crumb. If you go this route, use about 1/2 cup of applesauce and reduce the oil slightly to balance the extra moisture.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe enough — it’s truly one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing breads that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or guests, this loaf fills your kitchen with warmth and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try soon, and I’m sure it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your baking rotation just like it is in mine!