Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Easy Fall Favorite You'll Love

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. This easy apple cinnamon bread recipe is the kind of treat that brings people to the kitchen before it’s even out of the oven. Whether you’re craving a cozy slice for breakfast or a sweet fall snack, this bread hits all the right notes. In the sections below, you’ll learn exactly why you’ll love it, what goes into it, how to make it perfectly every time, and creative twists to keep things interesting. Let’s dig into this homemade delight that never lasts long on the counter.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

A cozy classic with minimal effort

Hi, I’m Saly. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the kitchen, it’s that simple doesn’t have to mean boring. This apple cinnamon bread proves that point with every bite. It’s soft, slightly dense, and perfectly spiced with warm cinnamon swirled throughout. The apples add natural moisture, making it incredibly tender without needing extra fuss. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe doesn’t require special equipment or complicated techniques.

We love having a loaf around on chilly mornings with a hot cup of coffee. And since it keeps well for several days, it’s great for make-ahead breakfasts or school lunchboxes. For even more apple flavor, pair it with our Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe that brings the same warm spice in a softer, gooier form.

This apple bread also freezes beautifully, which is perfect for when fall baking urges strike unexpectedly. Just slice, wrap, and thaw when needed. The balance of spice and fruit makes it feel nostalgic yet new, like your favorite sweater in loaf form.

Rave-worthy texture and flavor

The texture of this apple bread is somewhere between cake and muffin; tender with a slightly crisp top. You get soft bites of apple and pockets of cinnamon sugar in every slice. It’s sweet, but not overly so, which means it plays well with butter, cream cheese, or even peanut butter if you’re into that combo.

Want more fall comfort foods? You’ll love our cozy Pumpkin French Toast Casserole; it’s another low-effort, high-reward recipe that fills your kitchen with the scent of the season.

Ingredients for the Best Apple Bread

Simple pantry staples, amazing flavor

The beauty of this easy apple cinnamon bread recipe lies in how accessible it is. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. What makes this bread stand out is the balance between the warm cinnamon, the sweetness of the apples, and the rich, buttery base. No fancy ingredients, just wholesome basics coming together to make something special.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Purpose
All-purpose flour	Gives structure to the bread
Granulated sugar	Sweetens the batter and the cinnamon swirl
Cinnamon	Adds warmth and depth
Eggs	Provide structure and richness
Butter or oil	Keeps the bread moist
Apples (chopped)	Adds moisture, texture, and flavor
Vanilla extract	Enhances the overall flavor
Baking powder	Leavens the bread for a light rise

You can also mix in optional extras like chopped walnuts, raisins, or even swirl in some cream cheese for a cheesecake-like twist. If you love cozy mix-ins, you might also enjoy our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Baked Oatmeal, it has the same heartwarming appeal with a protein-rich twist.

What kind of apples work best?

Go for crisp apples that hold their shape when baked. We recommend using a mix of sweet and tart like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This gives you depth of flavor and keeps the bread from being too sweet. Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious; they tend to disappear into the batter without much texture.

If you’re cooking with extra apples this season, our Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are another fall-favorite and the perfect grab-and-go breakfast.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread

Step-by-step instructions for moist apple bread

Making this apple cinnamon bread is as satisfying as eating it. The steps are straightforward, the aroma is magical, and the end result is a bakery-style loaf right from your home oven.

Here’s exactly how to make it:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together softened butter (or oil), sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine everything: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, don’t overdo it.
Fold in apples: Gently stir in the diced apples. If you want extra texture, toss in chopped pecans or walnuts here too.
Layer and swirl: Pour half the batter into your loaf pan. Sprinkle a generous cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Add the rest of the batter, then swirl a knife through the layers to create that classic cinnamon streak.
Bake: Place in the center of the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and slice: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice when completely cool (if you can wait!).

If you’re looking for a fun variation on this process, try our Apple Cobbler Recipe, where apples shine under a golden biscuit topping; just as easy, just as delicious.

Storage and freezing tips

Once fully cooled, wrap your apple bread tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container. It keeps at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces. Thaw at room temp or microwave for a few seconds for a warm slice anytime.

And if you’re baking for a crowd or gifting, pair it with our Pumpkin Bread; the duo makes the perfect fall gift basket.

Tips and Variations for Apple Cinnamon Bread

Pro tips for success every time

This easy apple cinnamon bread recipe is reliable, but a few small adjustments can help it shine even more. Here’s how to guarantee success, even on your first try:

Room temperature ingredients are your friend. Cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing and affect the texture of the bread.
Chop apples finely for better distribution and texture. Big chunks may sink or leave wet pockets.
Don’t overmix the batter, just stir until ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing leads to tough bread.
Let it cool completely before slicing. Yes, it’s hard to wait, but slicing hot bread can cause it to crumble or become gummy.
For a crispier crust, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking. It gives that irresistible bakery-style crackle.

This loaf is very forgiving, so don’t stress. Even if it’s your first time baking, you’ll still end up with something delicious.

Looking for more fall baking ideas? Our 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make—dump, bake, and enjoy.

Creative twists and fun variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try mixing things up:

Add a streusel topping for extra crunch. Just mix flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, then crumble over the top before baking.
Use brown butter instead of regular butter for a nutty, caramelized flavor upgrade.
Stir in chopped nuts or raisins to add texture and richness. Pecans, walnuts, or golden raisins work beautifully.
Make it gluten-free by swapping the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend and adding ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if needed.
Mini loaves or muffins? Yes! This recipe works perfectly for muffins or smaller loaf pans, just reduce the baking time accordingly.

If you’re someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, you might also enjoy the texture-rich Zucchini Carrot Muffins for a veggie-filled twist on classic baked goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apple is best for apple cinnamon bread?

A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice flavor balance without making the bread overly sweet.

Can I make this apple bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors settle. Wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and store it at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I freeze apple cinnamon bread?

Yes. Once cooled, slice the bread and wrap individual slices in plastic. Store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

You can, but it will change the texture. Applesauce makes the bread softer and more cake-like. If using applesauce, reduce the amount of oil slightly to avoid a soggy loaf.

Final Note

This apple cinnamon bread is everything you want in a homemade baked good: warm, soft, spiced just right, and easy enough to make on a weeknight. From cozy breakfasts to afternoon treats, this loaf never sticks around for long in our house. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for something new this season, this recipe brings the nostalgic flavor of fall with every slice.

So grab those apples and let your kitchen smell like a crisp autumn morning.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Apple Cinnamon Bread