If you are a fan of cozy flavors and the natural sweetness of fruit baked into a tender loaf, this Apple Bread is about to become your new favorite. It brings together just the right balance of warm cinnamon, juicy apples, and buttery richness to create a bread that’s moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Every bite offers more than just a snack or breakfast treat — it’s like a warm hug on a plate, highlighting the very best of seasonal apples with a simple yet delightful twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Apple Bread is a breeze thanks to its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, lending flavor, moisture, or texture that transforms these common kitchen staples into something truly special.

Brown sugar ½ cup: Adds a deep caramel sweetness and enhances the cinnamon topping’s signature warmth.
Ground cinnamon 1 ½ teaspoons: Brings cozy spice notes that pair beautifully with the apples.
Large eggs, 2 room temperature: Provide structure and richness to the batter for that perfect crumb.
Granulated sugar ½ cup: Balances sweetness, keeping the bread delicately sweet without overpowering the fruit.
Butter ½ cup, melted: Adds moisture and richness, making each slice melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon: Infuses subtle aromatic depth to complement the cinnamon and apples.
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups: The foundation that gives the bread its soft yet sturdy texture.
Baking powder 1 teaspoon: Helps the bread rise nicely for a light, airy feel.
Baking soda ½ teaspoon: Reacts with the acids in the apples and brown sugar for perfect leavening.
Salt ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and spice.
Chopped apples 2 cups: Choose Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for sweet-tart juiciness that shines through every bite.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×5-inch loaf pan and dust it lightly with flour, or use parchment paper to make sure the bread pops right out at the end. This little prep ensures your Apple Bread will have the perfect shape and not stick, making clean slices easier.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will not only sweeten but add a beautifully fragrant layer to your Apple Bread, creating those lovely pockets of spice throughout.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk the eggs with the granulated sugar until everything is nicely blended and slightly airy. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth—this step brings together the base of your batter.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples

Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then mix gently just until combined to keep the bread tender. Now, fold in the chopped apples carefully; the chunks of fruit are the stars here, so you want to keep them throughout without overmixing the batter.

Step 5: Layer Your Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture over top. Add the remaining batter over this layer, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar sprinkled and gently swirled into the top using a knife or spoon—it creates a gorgeous marbled effect and bursts of cinnamon flavor in every slice.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your Apple Bread for 35 to 45 minutes until the surface is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, lightly cover with foil to protect it while the inside finishes baking. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and preserve the tender crumb.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

Apple Bread is lovely on its own, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of cinnamon butter can take it to the next level. For those who love a little texture, toasted chopped nuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect start to the morning or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside creamy vanilla yogurt or a small scoop of cinnamon-spiked ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the Apple Bread and toasting it lightly for a warm, crispy texture. Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top for added sweetness and sparkle. You can also cut it into smaller cubes and use it as part of a rustic dessert trifle layered with custard and whipped cream for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Apple Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and soft for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks anytime.

Freezing

This Apple Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, preserving all that fresh-baked flavor.

Reheating

Warm slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven sensation. A quick zap revives the buttery, cinnamon-rich aromas perfectly, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for Apple Bread?

Yes, but it’s best to use crisp apples like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that holds up well when baked.

Is the apple peel removed or left on?

For this recipe, peeling your apples is recommended to keep the bread’s texture soft and smooth, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer more fiber and a rustic look.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable oil in equal amounts if needed, though it may slightly alter the bread’s richness.

How do I know when the Apple Bread is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown crust and use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the Apple Bread?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make lovely additions — just fold them in with the apples before baking to distribute evenly.

Final Thoughts

Apple Bread is one of those comforting treats that brings joy with every slice. Its wonderful balance of spice, sweetness, and tender crumb makes it suitable for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find it becomes a warm favorite to share with family and friends all year round.

Apple Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Bread is a delightful fall treat featuring moist, flavorful bread loaded with tender chopped apples and cinnamon-sugar swirls. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this quick bread combines warm spices and sweet apples for a comforting homemade bake.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside for layering.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; the batter will be thick, so avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
First Layer of Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
Add Cinnamon Sugar Layer: Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the first layer of batter for a sweet and spicy swirl.
Second Layer of Batter and Topping: Gently spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top, then use a knife or spoon to gently swirl it into the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread is browning too fast, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean cuts and perfect texture.

Notes

For best flavor, peel and use crisp apple varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp.
The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
To make the bread dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly and produce a tender crumb.
Use a toothpick test to check for doneness: it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American