There’s nothing like the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen to make it feel like fall—even if it’s the middle of spring. This Cinnamon Apple Bread is moist, buttery, and loaded with juicy apple chunks and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to wrap up in a blanket, pour a cup of something warm, and savor each spiced bite.
Whether served at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or wrapped up as a gift, this loaf is pure comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This bread has everything you want in a cozy bake—fluffy cake texture, bursts of tender apple, layers of sweet spice, and a light vanilla glaze to finish. Unlike dense quick breads, this one has just the right crumb thanks to the butter-based batter and tender apple bits.
It’s also a make-ahead favorite—delicious the day you bake it but even better the next morning once the flavors meld.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
Apple Filling:
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
🍏 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Apples: Use a tart, firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Milk: Whole milk gives a richer crumb, but you can use almond or oat milk for a dairy-light version.
- Flour: Want more structure? Replace ¼ cup of flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty twist.
- No glaze? You can skip it or use maple syrup for a rustic finish.
👩🍳 How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×4″ loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each.
- Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with ½ cup brown sugar and 1½ tsp cinnamon.
- Mix 2 tbsp brown sugar with ¼ tsp cinnamon for the topping.
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Add half the apple mixture and gently swirl.
- Top with the remaining batter, then remaining apples. Swirl again. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing (if you can wait!).
🌟 Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined for a tender crumb.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal if your pan tends to stick.
- Cool fully before glazing to avoid melting the drizzle into the crust.
🍽️ Serving & Pairings
Cinnamon Apple Bread is heavenly served warm or room temp, on its own or with a side of:
- A mug of spiced chai tea or coffee
- A dollop of vanilla yogurt for breakfast
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert
Looking to make a fall-inspired spread? Add these cozy treats:
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices or whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
💬 More Recipes to Try
Keep the cozy vibes going with these favorites:
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary afternoon into something special. Simple ingredients, comforting flavors, and that unbeatable homemade aroma—it’s everything we love about fall baking, made easy.
Tried it? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and tag @chefmaniac if you share a photo. And don’t forget to subscribe for more irresistible bakes and seasonal favorites. 🍂🍞
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