Description
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Made with fresh chopped apples and a cinnamon sugar swirl, it combines the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples. Topped with a lightly spiced glaze, this bread is easy to make and offers a deliciously comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt (reduce to ¼ tsp if using salted butter)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
Fruit and Spice Mix
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Jonagold)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for proper incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with whole milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread dense.
- Add Apples and Cinnamon Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the light brown sugar and cinnamon together. Fold 1 cup of the chopped apples into the batter carefully. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and brown sugar apple mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then top with the remaining chopped apples and cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Top with Cinnamon Sugar: Combine the remaining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter in the pan to create a sweet, crunchy topping while baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the bread set properly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and optional cinnamon until smooth. Adjust milk quantity to reach your desired glaze consistency—thicker for drizzling or thinner for pouring.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread. Slice and serve this delicious cinnamon apple bread as a perfect comfort food treat for any time of the day.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of sweet-tart flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Adjust the cinnamon in the glaze to taste for more or less spice.
- Ensure the bread is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
