If you are looking for a warm, comforting treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chunks of fresh apples and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and aromatic. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this bread has a moist crumb and an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with pure happiness. It’s an ideal companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea and a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple but each plays a crucial role. From the soft butter and creamy eggs that bring richness, to the aromatic spices that make your senses sing, every component is essential for creating that perfect slice of homemade bliss.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure that holds the bread together with a tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully and gives it a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness gracefully.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this bread its signature warm and cozy flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth and earthy undertones to the spice blend.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to create a luscious base that keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Provides clean sweetness and assists in the creaming process for fluffiness.
- Brown sugar: Packs a richer, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness and moisture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter that’s easy to work with.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant sweetness that elevates every bite.
- Peeled and chopped apples: Fresh apples bring juiciness and a lovely natural sweetness throughout the bread.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft texture, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and give your bread a smooth, easy release once baked. This simple first step sets you up for baking success.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing them thoroughly ensures that every bite of your Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe has an even distribution of those warm, fragrant spices.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Next, take a large bowl and cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, which helps produce a tender, airy texture perfect for this bread.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Milk, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, giving each a good mix before adding the next. Then stir in the milk and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor that enrich the batter beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the bread could turn dense. This delicate balance keeps your Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe fluffy and light.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts if you’re using them. These lovely additions add texture and bursts of flavor that make every slice feel like a special moment.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that your bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps set the crumb and makes slicing a breeze without crumbling.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate the experience, consider serving your bread with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. A smear of cream cheese or butter on a warm slice also melts into the soft crumb, creating pure indulgence.
Side Dishes
Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with comforting beverages like hot chai tea, coffee with a dash of cinnamon, or a warm mug of apple cider. For a brunch spread, offer alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bread into thick slices and toasting them for a crunchy texture, then top with yogurt and fresh apple slices for a fresh twist. Or, cube the bread to make a delicious bread pudding, blending the wonderful spices and apples into a decadent dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for about 2 to 3 days. This makes it perfect for enjoying several days without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at low heat until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread rubbery, but it works well in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut or omit them?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work well, or you can leave the nuts out entirely if you have allergies or just prefer a nut-free bread. The flavor and texture remain delicious either way.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Firm apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, are excellent choices. They give a nice balance of tartness and sweetness without turning mushy in the bread.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results, and expect slight variations in texture.
Can I add extra spices or flavors?
Feel free to customize the spice mix! Some like adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also stir in some raisins or dried cranberries for extra bursts of sweetness.
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, the bread is done. If there is wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking and sharing this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe. It’s one of those delicious homemade comforts that never fail to bring smiles and warm memories. Whether you whip it up for an everyday treat or a cozy gathering, I hope you enjoy every flavorful slice as much as I do!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Bursting with warm spices, tender apples, and a hint of vanilla, this comforting loaf blends the sweetness of brown and granulated sugars with the crunch of walnuts for a delightful texture contrast. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, it’s an irresistible treat that fills your home with cozy aromas.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly and set aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined. This ensures an even distribution of spices and leavening.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the milk and vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Apples and Walnuts: Fold in the chopped apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts to add texture and bursts of flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then remove and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
- Chilling the batter for 30 minutes before baking can enhance flavors but is optional.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more balanced sweetness and tartness.
- To ensure even baking, check the bread at 50 minutes and cover loosely with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
