If you’re looking for a delightful treat that wraps the cozy flavors of fall into every bite, this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of spice makes this bread moist, flavorful, and utterly addictive. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast companion or a sweet snack, this bread brings a loving touch to your kitchen table and is bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is surprisingly simple, thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a vital role. From the crisp apples to the rich brown sugar and warming spices, every component contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that inviting aroma.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness and adds a fresh bite with skin-on for extra texture.
- Demerara sugar: Adds crunch and caramel undertones to the topping for a delightful finish.
- Cinnamon powder: A key spice that infuses warmth and depth throughout the bread.
- Brown sugar: Provides natural molasses sweetness and moisture to the batter.
- Ginger and allspice: Subtle spices that amplify the cozy fall vibe with a hint of complexity.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds together the moist and tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents that give the bread its light, soft texture.
- Plain yogurt: Adds tanginess and moisture, keeping the bread wonderfully tender.
- Eggs and canola oil: Bind the ingredients while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.
- Walnuts: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness, perfectly balancing the softness of the bread.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180°C fan-forced) and position the rack in the middle for even baking. Then, grab a standard loaf pan and grease it well with canola oil. For extra insurance against sticking, line the base and long sides with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges slightly—this will make removing the bread a breeze later.
Step 2: Mix the Topping
Whisk together the Demerara sugar and cinnamon powder in a small bowl. This simple topping will get sprinkled on your beautifully arranged apple slices later, adding a golden crunch and lovely spice burst right on top of the bread.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Mixture
In a bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, ginger, and allspice. Letting these ingredients mingle while you prepare the batter allows the sugar to gently draw out the apple juices, which boosts flavor and moisture throughout the bread.
Step 4: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients—plain yogurt, eggs, canola oil, and vanilla extract—until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and whisk just until combined; overmixing can make the bread tough. Fold in the spiced apple mixture along with the toasted walnuts, creating a thick yet dollop-able batter.
Step 5: Assemble and Add the Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly. Take about three quarters of the thinly sliced apples and fan them out in overlapping rows on top of the batter. This not only looks stunning but also ensures every slice has a bit of that gorgeous apple topping. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix on top to finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 60 minutes, then loosely cover it with foil to prevent over-browning and continue baking for another 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center—it should come out clean without wet batter clinging to it.
Step 7: Cooling and Resting
Once out of the oven, let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift it onto a wire rack, where it should cool for at least one hour before slicing. This final step allows the flavors to settle and the texture to become just right.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While the bread is fantastic on its own, topping slices with a pat of butter or a light drizzle of honey elevates it to pure indulgence. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream makes it a treat suitable for dessert or special occasions.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee. If serving for breakfast or brunch, add a side of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to complement the bread’s moistness and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, cut the bread into cubes and serve it as a bread pudding base or layer it with cinnamon-infused whipped cream and sliced apples in a trifle bowl. You can also toast slices and use them as a gluten-rich base for an apple-themed open sandwich with soft cheese and honey drizzle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain its softness.
Freezing
If you want to preserve the bread longer, this Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
When ready to eat, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat for a few minutes. This reheats the bread to just the right temperature while reviving the fresh-baked aroma and soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples provide tartness and firmness, but other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can work well too. Just keep in mind they may change the sweetness slightly.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might differ slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I add raisins or other dried fruit to the batter?
Definitely! Adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates adds extra bursts of sweetness and chewiness that complement the apples and spices nicely.
What if I don’t have plain yogurt on hand?
You can swap plain yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk to keep the moisture and tanginess intact. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before using.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is a cozy, feel-good baking project with a satisfying result. It’s one of those recipes that brings warmth and comfort with every slice, making it perfect to share or savor quietly with your favorite drink. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, and delight yourself in baking this charming treat—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite, just like it is in my kitchen!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 85 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 slices
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Cinnamon Apple Bread features tender chunks of Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon spice, and a crunchy walnut topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this bread combines the natural sweetness of apples with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and spices. It’s easy to prepare with a simple batter that bakes to a golden loaf, decorated with cinnamon sugar-coated apple slices for an inviting presentation.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 Granny Smith apple, quartered, cored, thinly sliced 3 mm (1/8″ thick)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Demerara sugar (or turbinado sugar)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
Cinnamon Apple Mix
- 3 cups diced Granny Smith apple (1/2” cubes, skin on, approx 2 large apples)
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp allspice (or mixed spice)
Batter Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda, sifted
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
Batter Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (or sour cream), at room temperature
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or other neutral flavored oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped into 1cm (1/3″) pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C (fan) and position the rack in the middle of the oven for even baking.
- Prepare Loaf Pan: Use a 21.5 x 11.5 x 7 cm (4.5 x 8.5 x 2.75 inch) loaf pan. Spray with canola oil and line the long sides plus base with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy bread removal.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the Demerara sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder. Set aside for later to sprinkle on top.
- Mix Cinnamon Apple Components: In a bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, ginger powder, and allspice to let the sugar draw out juices, enhancing flavor and moisture. Set aside.
- Prepare Batter: Whisk together all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar) in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients (yogurt, eggs, oil, vanilla extract). Pour wet mix into dry and whisk just until smooth. Fold in the cinnamon apple mixture along with all juices and chopped walnuts. The batter should be thick but dollop-able.
- Assemble in Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Arrange Topping: Take 1/4 of the thinly sliced apples and fan them out overlapping on top of the batter. Repeat with two more batches, covering about 3/4 of the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the arranged apple slices.
- Bake: Bake for 60 minutes. Then loosely cover the loaf with foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy the bread plain as it is moist and flavorful, or lightly toasted with a spread of butter for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweetness of the bread perfectly.
- Demerara or turbinado sugar for the topping adds crunchy texture and caramel notes.
- Ginger powder and allspice add warm, complementary spices enhancing the apple flavor.
- Sifting baking soda helps ensure even rising and texture.
- Use room temperature yogurt and eggs to ensure smooth batter and good rise.
- Toast walnuts to bring out their nutty aroma and crunch, chopping them roughly for texture contrast.
- Line loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Avoid overmixing batter to keep the bread tender.
