There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. This Cinnamon Apple Bread is soft, moist, and packed with warm spices, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert! The combination of sweet apples and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping is absolutely irresistible.
This is a family favorite in our house, especially in the fall, but honestly, we make it year-round. It’s easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and makes your home smell amazing. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra apples! Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little butter, this bread is pure comfort in every bite.
Let’s get baking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Use the Right Apples 🍏 – A mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) adds the best flavor and texture!
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can make it dense.
- Coat Apples in Flour – Tossing the diced apples in a little flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Extra Cinnamon Sugar for Crunch – Sprinkle a little extra on top before baking for a crisp, caramelized crust.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing – It’s tempting to cut into it right away, but letting it cool for at least 15 minutes helps it hold its shape.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
Substitutions & Variations
- No Nutmeg? Use an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Dairy-Free? Substitute almond milk or oat milk for regular milk, and use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
- Add Some Crunch! Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Sweeter Bread? Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Maple Twist – Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before pouring into the loaf pan.
- The bread freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, and mix until well combined.
4. Combine & Fold in Apples
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Then, fold in the diced apples.
5. Pour & Add Cinnamon Sugar
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
6. Bake & Cool
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
- Freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Enjoy & Share!
I hope you love this cozy Cinnamon Apple Bread as much as my family does! It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, and it’s a guaranteed hit with kids. If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy baking! 🍏💛
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