Cinnamon Apple Bread

If you’re looking for a comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the aroma of warm spices and sweet apples, look no further than this delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread. This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years. The tender loaf features a scrumptious swirl of brown sugar and apples, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering.

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Bread truly special is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a breakfast item, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert. Plus, the cinnamon glaze drizzled on top adds just the right amount of sweetness to elevate this already delicious bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the combination of cinnamon and apples, ensuring that this bread will be a hit with all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this bread in advance and enjoy it throughout the week or share it with friends.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of warm spices and tender apples creates an irresistible taste that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Cinnamon Apple Bread is a breeze with these simple, wholesome ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bread:

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces)

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water

Variations

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is quite flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or even try adding dried cranberries for a twist.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutritious boost.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon to enhance the flavor profile.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing and flouring your loaf pan will help ensure that your bread comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until smooth and pale—about 3-4 minutes. Scraping down the sides of the bowl helps incorporate everything properly.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time into your batter until fully incorporated. This adds richness to your bread!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding half of your dry mixture with half of the milk until everything is well combined. Mixing carefully prevents overworking the batter which could lead to dense bread.

Step 6: Prepare Apple Mixture

In another bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples. This mixture will create those lovely sweet pockets inside your bread.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan before layering half of the apple mixture on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl through gently—this will create beautiful layers in your finished bread.

Step 8: Add Remaining Batter and Apples

Pour in the remaining batter followed by the rest of the apple mixture. Again swirl lightly through both layers before sprinkling on your topping mixture—a blend of brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs attached. The soft apples inside might cause some moisture—don’t worry!

Step 10: Cool Down and Glaze

Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. While it’s cooling, whisk together glaze ingredients; once cooled completely, drizzle over your beautiful loaf.

And there you have it! Enjoy every slice of this homemade Cinnamon Apple Bread—it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Bread

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll elevate your Cinnamon Apple Bread to new heights!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature allows for better mixing, which results in a smoother batter and a more tender bread.

• Don’t skip the apple prep – Chopping the apples into small pieces ensures they cook evenly throughout the bread. This guarantees that every slice has a delicious burst of apple flavor.

• Swirl gently – When creating the cinnamon swirl, use a light hand with your knife or skewer. A few gentle swirls will create beautiful layers without overmixing, leaving you with eye-catching slices.

• Check for doneness early – Ovens can vary in temperature; start checking your bread around the 45-minute mark. The bread is done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

• Cool before slicing – Allowing the bread to cool completely helps it set up nicely. This way, you’ll avoid any mess when slicing and enjoy perfectly shaped pieces!

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is not only a treat on its own but also pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some ideas to help you present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle some walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh fruit slices – Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears on the side for a refreshing contrast to the sweet bread.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang that balances out the sweetness of the bread.
• Coffee or tea – Pairing this bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Mixed green salad – A light salad with vinaigrette will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Cinnamon Apple Bread.
• Cheese platter – Serve alongside mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie; their creamy texture complements the spiced sweetness of the bread wonderfully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Cinnamon Apple Bread is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

• For quick reheating, microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds.
• For a crispier texture, place slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Apple Bread:

Can I use other fruits in this Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or bananas. Just ensure they are ripe and chopped into small pieces.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon Apple Bread?

Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Bread so special?

The combination of tender bread infused with sweet apples and a delightful cinnamon glaze creates a comforting flavor that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Adjust baking times as needed!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Cinnamon Apple Bread as I am! Its warm aroma and delightful flavors are sure to bring comfort to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite you take, and don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures—I’d love to hear how your bread turns out. Happy baking!