If you’re looking for a cozy, irresistible treat to warm your kitchen and your heart, this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is exactly the homemade delight you need. Imagine tender, moist bread infused with the bright tang of Granny Smith apples and the comforting embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg. With a beautiful cinnamon swirl dough and a luscious vanilla glaze drizzled on top, this bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you’re welcoming the season or craving something sweet any time of year, this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple small glass bowls and one white dish with ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a large glass bowl filled with small yellow diced pieces, likely fruit. To the right are smaller glass bowls filled with white powdery substances, possibly flour or sugar, and other fine white ingredients. Below the diced bowl, there are two small glass bowls with different shades of brown powder, likely spices. Moving further down, there is a bowl with thick white cream and beside it a smaller bowl with amber liquid, perhaps vanilla. A white rectangular dish holds a solid stick of bright yellow butter at the bottom left. To the right side, there are two brown eggs placed on a white egg holder, with a glass bowl of white granulated sugar and another bowl of brown sugar near them. A larger glass bowl filled with flour rests in the bottom right corner. The setup is clean and precise, showing a variety of baking ingredients ready for use photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples and fresh fruit that all come together to create an amazing flavor and texture harmony. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering moistness, spice, and that perfect crumb you’ll adore.

Granny Smith apples: Peeled and diced for the perfect tart contrast that brightens every bite.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the bread structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: Combined to give your bread the gentle rise it needs for lightness.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors and balance sweetness.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that create the comforting aroma and flavor.
Unsalted butter: Softened for rich moisture and a lush texture.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: A duo that sweetens, adds depth, and keeps the bread tender.
Eggs: At room temperature to bind ingredients and help with rise.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, subtle fragrance that complements the apples and cinnamon.
Sour cream and milk: Together they add moisture and a slight tang, making the bread incredibly soft.
Powdered sugar: For drizzling the smooth vanilla glaze on top to finish it off beautifully.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to make removal easy later. Preheat your oven to 350°F, setting the perfect scene for your bread to rise and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of spices and leavening agents is the magic foundation that ensures your bread is flavorful and fluffy.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps make the bread tender and gives it that rich sweetness you’ll love.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with its warm, inviting fragrance that pairs perfectly with the spices.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently mix in half of your dry ingredients, then add sour cream and milk to keep the bread moist and tender. Follow with the remaining flour mixture and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a soft crumb.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Carefully fold the diced Granny Smith apples into the batter, distributing their tart juiciness evenly throughout the dough for bursts of fresh flavor in every slice.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the additional brown sugar and cinnamon that will create the signature cinnamon swirl inside your bread, adding extra depth and irresistible sweetness.

Step 8: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Spoon half the batter into your prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture on top. Spread the remaining batter over the swirl layer, then use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating that beautiful marbled effect everyone notices and loves.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden and Set

Place your pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Start checking around 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This careful baking ensures your bread has that perfect, tender center.

Step 10: Cool the Bread Properly

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting it out with the parchment paper overhang. Then, place it on a wire rack to cool completely, making it easier to slice without crumbling.

Step 11: Whisk Up the Vanilla Glaze

Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bread for a sweet, glossy finish that adds a lovely touch of indulgence to every slice.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

A loaf of cinnamon swirl bread rests on white parchment paper over a wooden board. The bread has a thick, shiny white glaze with visible lines and a crack revealing the inside. Two slices show a golden crumb with a dark brown cinnamon swirl pattern in the center. To the side, three cinnamon sticks and a silver spoon with white glaze sit on the board. The background is a white marbled surface with a white cloth with blue stitching. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted nuts on top of the vanilla glaze for a delightful crunch and an inviting look that’ll make everyone want to dig in immediately.

Side Dishes

This bread is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. For breakfast, simply serve it alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea to start your day with cozy vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe into thick pieces, then lightly toast them and spread with butter or almond butter. You can also cut it into cubes and use them to make a decadent bread pudding or French toast casserole that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it inside a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing moisture.

Reheating

To warm up leftover or thawed bread, simply place slices in a toaster or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This revives the bread’s soft texture and enhances the cinnamon aroma, making it taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this bread?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, but you can substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a sweeter flavor. Just be mindful that sweeter apples may change the overall taste slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yoghurt. Also, use any plant-based milk like almond or oat to keep the flavors balanced while making it dairy-free.

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe vegan?

With some tweaks, such as replacing eggs with flax eggs and using vegan butter and non-dairy milk, you can create a delicious vegan version while maintaining that comforting apple and cinnamon flavor.

How should I store this bread to keep it fresh the longest?

The best way to keep the bread fresh is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature and consume it within a few days. For longer freshness, freezing is your friend!

Can I double the recipe to make a bigger loaf?

You can double the recipe, but you’ll need to use a larger pan or two loaf pans to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on baking times, as larger loaves may take a bit longer to cook through.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about homemade apple cinnamon bread that fills your home with warmth and joy. This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is not only straightforward but wonderfully satisfying, delivering slices of comfort infused with crisp apples, cinnamon, and a light vanilla glaze. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy morning or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite bread that everyone will keep asking for!