This Cinnamon Apple Bread is the perfect way to welcome fall! Packed with tender chunks of fresh apples, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a buttery crumble, this bread is moist, flavorful, and the ultimate cozy treat. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, this apple bread is easy to make and fills your home with the comforting smell of cinnamon and apples. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn day!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread

• Moist & Flavorful: Each bite is tender and full of sweet apples and warm cinnamon.
• Perfect for Fall: This bread is packed with the best flavors of the season—apples and cinnamon!
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe perfect for beginners.
• Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of glaze for your own twist.
• Great for Gifting: This bread makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially during the holidays.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1 ½ cups (190g / 0.42 lb) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (115g / 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g / 0.33 lb) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 ½ cups (180g / 0.4 lb) peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• ¼ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumble Topping (Optional)

• ¼ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (30g / 0.06 lb) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

1. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
   In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bread Batter

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Milk:
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the Apples:
   Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Layer the Bread

1. First Layer:
   Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
   Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
3. Second Layer:
   Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping (Optional)

1. Mix the Topping:
   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle the Crumble:
   Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top of the bread batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Bake:
   Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
2. Cool:
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cinnamon apple bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Serve with a spread of butter or enjoy it on its own with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Notes

• Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for baking because of their tartness, but any firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji will work.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezer-Friendly: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You can also mix in raisins or dried cranberries.
• Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just note that the bread may be a bit denser.

What other spices can I add?
In addition to cinnamon, you can add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for more warm flavors.

Can I make this bread without the crumble topping?
Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, but the crumble adds a nice texture. If you prefer, you can skip it and still have a fantastic loaf.

How do I keep the bread from becoming too dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy bread.

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
You can use applesauce for a softer texture, but the bread may not have the same chunkiness and slight tartness from fresh apples.

Tips and Notes

• My Tip: If you want a little more moisture and sweetness, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of applesauce to the batter along with the apples.
• Pro Trick: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart. It slices much more cleanly when fully cooled.
• Serving Suggestion: Toast a slice and slather it with butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Turn this bread into muffins by dividing the batter into a lined muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
• Cinnamon Apple Streusel Bread: Add more crumble topping to create a thicker streusel layer for extra crunch.
• Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the bread after it cools for a caramel apple twist.
• Healthy Cinnamon Apple Bread: Replace the butter with coconut oil or applesauce, and use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a healthier version.
• Gluten-Free Apple Bread: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the bread gluten-free.