Total Cooking Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Few things feel more like fall than the warm scent of apples and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen. This Easy Cinnamon Apple Bread delivers that cozy, bakery-style comfort in every slice. It’s soft, moist, and packed with tender apple pieces, layered with cinnamon sugar that melts into a sweet, fragrant swirl as it bakes.
What makes this bread especially lovable is its simplicity. There’s no yeast, no complicated steps, and no fancy equipment—just a classic quick bread that comes together in minutes and bakes into something that tastes like it took far more effort. The crumb is tender and buttery, the apples add natural sweetness and moisture, and the cinnamon brings that familiar warmth everyone craves when the weather cools down.
This is the kind of recipe that works for everything: breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack, a cozy dessert, or a homemade gift wrapped in parchment. Kids love the sweetness, adults love the nostalgic flavor, and everyone loves how moist it stays for days. One slice averages 220–250 calories, making it a comforting treat that still feels approachable.
Key Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a role in creating that classic, soft apple bread with rich cinnamon flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender.
- Baking Powder – Helps the bread rise evenly.
- Baking Soda – Works with the apples for extra lift and softness.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – The heart of the bread’s warm, cozy flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg – Adds subtle depth and autumn spice.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the batter and keeps it light.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and caramel-like richness.
- Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, tender crumb.
- Eggs – Bind the batter and add structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the sweetness and enhances aroma.
- Milk or Buttermilk – Adds moisture and softness.
- Fresh Apples (peeled & diced) – Add natural sweetness, moisture, and texture.
- Lemon Juice – Keeps apples bright and prevents browning.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture – Creates that irresistible swirl and topping.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional) – Add crunch and nutty contrast.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Prep the Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This helps prevent sticking and ensures clean slices.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. Toss them with a little lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon. This keeps them fresh and evenly flavored while you prepare the batter.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices throughout the bread.
4. Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with milk. Mix gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
6. Fold in Apples
Gently fold the diced apples (and nuts if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. Add the remaining batter and top with more cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter for a marbled effect.
8. Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.
9. Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the loaf set and slice cleanly.
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Apple Bread shines in its simplest form—thick slices served slightly warm with a pat of butter melting into the crumb. The cinnamon aroma intensifies when warmed, making it perfect for slow mornings or cozy afternoons with coffee or tea. For breakfast, pair it with yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced, comforting start to the day.
If you’re serving it as a dessert, elevate it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns it into a fall-inspired treat that feels bakery-worthy without extra effort. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with cream cheese or apple butter for added indulgence.
For gatherings, slice the loaf and arrange it on a platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a seasonal display. This bread travels well and holds its moisture, making it ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or gifting. However you serve it, it always feels warm, inviting, and homemade in the best way.
Storage + Meal Prep
Cinnamon Apple Bread stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for baking ahead. Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though room temperature keeps the texture softer.
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave or toaster oven for a just-baked feel.
When reheating, a few seconds in the microwave brings back moisture, while a quick toast adds crisp edges and warm cinnamon aroma. If freezing, avoid adding glaze until after thawing for best texture. This bread is excellent for meal prep breakfasts or quick snacks that feel special even on busy days.
Conclusion
Easy Cinnamon Apple Bread is everything we love about fall baking—simple, comforting, and full of warm, familiar flavors. It turns everyday ingredients into a loaf that feels nostalgic, cozy, and deeply satisfying, whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or days later.
Once you try it, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again as the season rolls on. Switch up the apples, add nuts, or adjust the spice to make it your own. However you enjoy it, this bread is a reminder that the best recipes are often the simplest—and the ones that make your kitchen smell like home.
