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
Scale
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.
