Cinnamon Apple Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Bread is a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple into a moist and delicious loaf. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Making this bread fills your home with the sweet aroma of baking apples and cinnamon, making it a cozy addition to any kitchen. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up those extra apples that might be sitting in your fruit bowl! This recipe is straightforward and can be enjoyed by bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Making Cinnamon Apple Bread is enjoyable and perfect for sharing. Follow these steps carefully to create a loaf that is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is essential as it ensures the oven is hot enough to bake the bread properly.
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan. This is important to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan once it’s baked.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. Set the bowl aside for later.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using an electric handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla together on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and pale (about 3-4 minutes). Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to incorporate all the ingredients.
5. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated into the batter before adding the next. This helps achieve a fluffy texture in your bread.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, add about half of the flour mixture, then half of the milk. Mix just until combined. Repeat this step with the remaining flour mixture and then the remaining milk. Make sure not to over mix; just blend until you can no longer see dry flour.
7. Prepare the Apples: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples with the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them well, making sure the apples are evenly coated.
8. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine an additional 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to create a sprinkle topping. Set this aside for later.
9. Layer the Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with half of the apple mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl through the batter lightly. Be careful not to overdo it; you want a beautiful thick layer of fruit and cinnamon sugar in the middle of your bread.
10. Finish with Remaining Batter and Apples: Pour the remaining batter on top and layer it with the remaining apple mixture. Again, swirl through the batter a few times with a knife or skewer. Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over the top of the loaf.
11. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
12. Cool Down: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 to 20 minutes. This cooling period helps the bread firm up slightly, making it easier to slice.
13. Make the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients – confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and water – until smooth.
14. Glaze the Bread: After the bread has cooled enough to handle, remove it from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread, letting it soak in a bit.
15. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This will help to maintain its shape and make cutting the bread easier.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Cinnamon Apple Bread can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm, at room temperature, or even toasted with a little butter spread on top. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon treat. If you want to elevate your serving, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. This can turn your simple bread into a delightful dessert!

How to Store Cinnamon Apple Bread

To keep your Cinnamon Apple Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze the bread by wrapping it in foil or freezer-safe plastic. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Tips to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

• Use Fresh Apples: Using fresh apples not only provides the best flavor but also the best texture for the bread. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully.
• Don’t Over Mix: Mixing just until combined helps keep the bread light and fluffy. Over mixing can lead to a denser loaf.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure yours is baking at the correct temperature.
• Let It Cool Properly: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a rack helps it hold its shape, making it easier to slice.
• Enhance the Glaze Flavor: Add a dash of vanilla extract or orange zest to your glaze for an extra flavor boost.

Variation

Feel free to customize your Cinnamon Apple Bread. You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch or include raisins for a fruity twist. If you prefer, substitute the apples with other fruits like pears or even berries. For a pumpkin spice version, replace some of the flour with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon!

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly, as whole wheat flour can absorb more moisture.

2. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger loaf pan or divide the batter into two pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it might vary.

3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Cinnamon Apple Bread in advance. It keeps well in an airtight container or can be frozen for up to three months.

4. What kind of apples are best for baking?

For baking, firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are preferred as they hold their shape well and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

5. How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. It should come out clean with only a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, it needs more time to bake.

Enjoy your baking experience with this delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread! You’ll love the warm flavors and the satisfaction that comes with making it from scratch.

Cinnamon Apple Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful and moist loaf that combines warm cinnamon and apple flavors, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1–1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla using a mixer until smooth.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
7. Prepare the chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
8. Make the topping by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
9. Layer half of the batter in the loaf pan, then top with half of the apple mixture, lightly swirling.
10. Finish with the remaining batter and apple mixture, and sprinkle the topping on top.
11. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
12. Cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
13. Make the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and water.
14. Glaze the bread once cooled slightly, then let it cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm, at room temperature, or toasted with butter. Pairs well with coffee or tea.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cinnamon, apple, bread, dessert, baking, snack