The Cinnamon Apple Bread is a warm and inviting loaf that beautifully captures the flavors of autumn. With its moist texture, sweet apple chunks, and fragrant spices, this bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The golden crust contrasts with the soft, flavorful interior, making it a visually appealing treat.
This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can serve it plain, toasted with butter, or drizzled with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or as a dessert at a gathering, this Cinnamon Apple Bread will surely delight everyone who tastes it.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 220 kcal per slice
Servings: 10 servings
Cooking Tips:
- Choosing Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for added depth of flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well in this recipe.
- Preventing Soggy Bread: Make sure to pat the diced apples dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter. This helps reduce excess moisture, ensuring a firmer bread.
- Mixing Ingredients: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense loaf. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Add-ins and Variations: Consider adding dried cranberries, raisins, or even a swirl of caramel for added sweetness. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Fiber: The apples and whole grain content contribute to the fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.
- Antioxidants: Apples contain antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which can support overall health.
Storage & Reheating:
- Storing Bread: Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it to prolong freshness.
- Freezing Bread: Cinnamon Apple Bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To enjoy later, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Breakfast Treat: Serve with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of yogurt for a delicious breakfast.
- Dessert Option: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a delightful dessert.
Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe, highlighting key aspects of its ingredients, flavors, and overall appeal:
1. Main Ingredients
- Apples: The core ingredient in this recipe, apples bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. The recipe suggests peeling, coring, and dicing the apples. Varieties like Granny Smith are often used for their tartness, which contrasts well with the sugar and spices, but you could also use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala.
- Cinnamon: This warm spice is the star of the recipe, providing a cozy and comforting flavor. Combined with nutmeg, it gives the bread a deep, autumnal feel.
- Brown Sugar: This is used in the apple mixture to create a sweet, slightly caramelized filling. Brown sugar adds a richer sweetness than white sugar due to its molasses content, which pairs beautifully with the apples and spices.
2. Flavor Profile
- Sweet and Spiced: The bread has a balanced sweetness from both granulated and brown sugar. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, making this bread feel especially seasonal—perfect for fall or winter baking.
- Soft and Moist Texture: Thanks to the diced apples, the bread remains moist and tender even after baking. The apples break down slightly in the oven, blending with the cinnamon-sugar mixture to create little pockets of spiced sweetness in each bite.
- Crunchy Topping: The topping of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a slightly crunchy layer on top of the bread. This adds a nice contrast to the soft crumb inside, making each bite more texturally interesting.
3. Appeal of the Recipe
- Versatile: This Cinnamon Apple Bread can be enjoyed in multiple ways. It’s perfect for breakfast, paired with coffee or tea, or served as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes for a comforting afternoon snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is great for sharing at family gatherings, brunches, or during the holidays. The combination of familiar flavors (apple and cinnamon) appeals to a wide audience, from kids to adults.
- Easy to Make: While it looks impressive, this bread is fairly easy to put together. With basic ingredients and simple steps, it’s a great recipe even for beginner bakers. Plus, the loaf pan format makes it a fuss-free option compared to more complicated desserts.
4. Variations and Customizations
- Adding Nuts: To add more texture and flavor, you could incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the bread.
- Raisins or Cranberries: Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be mixed into the batter for an extra burst of flavor. They complement the apples and spices, adding a slight tartness.
- Glaze: For a sweeter finish, you could drizzle the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, giving it a bakery-style presentation.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Options: You could substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. For a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Serve warm slices with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a comforting morning meal.
- Dessert: Pair the bread with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simple but satisfying dessert.
- Toasted: Leftover slices can be toasted lightly, enhancing the cinnamon flavor and making the edges slightly crispy.
6. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: The bread can be stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, which will keep it fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: This bread freezes well. Simply wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or lightly toast slices to bring back the fresh-baked texture.
7. Perfect for Fall
The combination of cinnamon and apples makes this bread a quintessential fall treat. It’s ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or just as a seasonal baking project. The warm, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes makes it feel especially comforting and cozy.
Conclusion:
The Cinnamon Apple Bread is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its moist texture, sweet apple pieces, and aromatic spices, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner, this bread is sure to be a hit. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe that captures the essence of home baking and the cozy flavors of the season. Enjoy this wonderful treat fresh out of the oven or as leftovers for days to come!