If you are looking for a cozy, irresistible treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aromas of cinnamon and fresh apples, this Apple Bread recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chunks of apples woven through a soft, buttery loaf and a sweet cinnamon swirl running through the middle, this Apple Bread is a delightful balance of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug in every slice. It’s the perfect bake for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert any day of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Bread lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in creating its tender crumb, rich flavor, and inviting aroma. From the cinnamon-spiced brown sugar swirl to the fresh apples that add juiciness and a subtle tartness, every element contributes something special.

½ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor perfect for the cinnamon swirl.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice that complements the apples beautifully.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the bread.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness nicely without overpowering the fruit.
½ cup butter, melted: Creates a moist, tender crumb and rich flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth with its sweet floral notes.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread’s soft yet sturdy texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the acidity of the apples to aid in leavening and browning.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp): Peeled and chopped, these apples bring fresh fruitiness and moisture to each bite.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s perfectly heated when your bread is ready to bake. Then, grease and flour an 8 by 5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Setting your pan early means one less step when the batter is ready, keeping everything running smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple yet magical mixture is what creates the irresistible swirl in the middle of the bread, giving it bursts of sweet spice in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until they’re fully combined. This step is crucial to incorporate air and help with the bread’s tender texture, so take your time here.

Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla

Next, stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract. The butter adds richness that coats the flour beautifully, while the vanilla provides a fragrant lift that makes the bread feel extra special.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—you want to be gentle here so the bread stays tender and doesn’t become dense.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The apple pieces bring juicy pockets of flavor and moisture that make this bread truly stand out.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer. Then, carefully spoon the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl the sugar into the batter, creating that signature cinnamon ribbon.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake your Apple Bread for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If the loaf browns too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning during the final minutes.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time is important because it helps the bread set, making it easier to cut perfect slices that hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

Serving this Apple Bread with a dollop of creamy butter or a swipe of honey butter is a simple yet delightful way to enhance the flavors. For an extra indulgent touch, try a light drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Side Dishes

This Apple Bread pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage like chai tea, apple cider, or a rich coffee. If you want to turn it into a brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance its sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, slice the Apple Bread into thick pieces and toast lightly, then top with cream cheese and thin apple slices for a lovely apple-themed open sandwich. Alternatively, you can cut small cubes to serve as a companion to a cheese platter—the sweet and spicy notes complement a variety of cheeses beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to three days—perfect for a few days of breakfast or snack treats.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Apple Bread longer, slicing and freezing it is a great option. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen Apple Bread lasts up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To revive the softness and warmth of your Apple Bread, toast slices or warm them gently in the oven or microwave. This brings back that just-baked feeling and is especially delightful when paired with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Bread?

Absolutely! Apples like Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp are great for their sweet-tart balance and firm texture, but feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Just avoid overly soft varieties that might turn mushy during baking.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended for this recipe to ensure a smoother texture and a more uniform crumb. The peel can sometimes add chewiness or bitterness that might distract from the tender bread.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the structure that gluten provides.

How can I tell when the Apple Bread is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be a golden brown color and spring back slightly when pressed gently.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the Apple Bread?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries bring extra bursts of sweetness. Fold them in along with the apples for a personalized twist on the classic Apple Bread.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread has a special kind of magic—simple ingredients come together to create something truly comforting and delicious that feels like a homemade gift. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. Go ahead and give this Apple Bread a try; I promise, once it’s out of the oven, it’ll be gone before you know it.

Apple Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Bread recipe is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for fall. Made with cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl, it offers a delightful blend of warm spices and fruity sweetness in every slice. Ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread combines simple ingredients into a comforting treat.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: 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 aside.
Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for layering later.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined and slightly frothy for a lighter texture.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
Add Remaining Batter and Swirl: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the layered cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top. Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl it into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread starts browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the texture to set and makes slicing easier.

Notes

Use tart but sweet apples like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and rise.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This bread also freezes well for up to 2 months—slice before freezing for easy thawing.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of the loaf)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: apple bread, quick bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall recipes, breakfast bread, apple dessert