Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread

by

This apple cinnamon bread delivers the ultimate comfort in every slice—moist, tender, and brimming with the warm aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples.

Fresh Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness and juiciness, while applesauce keeps the loaf soft without relying heavily on added fats.

Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread

Ruth J. Pickett
A moist, aromatic apple cinnamon bread featuring fresh diced Honeycrisp apples, warm cinnamon spice, and a buttery apple topping. Perfectly tender with a delicate crumb, this loaf makes an ideal breakfast, snack, or dessert.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1 loaf

Equipment

  • 1 × 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • 2 × medium mixing bowls
  • 1 × glass measuring cup
  • 1 × hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • 1 × spatula
  • 1 × microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups peeled finely diced Honeycrisp apples, divided
  • ¾ cup 185 g milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups 265 g all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking flour
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon divided
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, room temperature, plus 1 tbsp for topping
  • ½ cup 105 g light brown sugar, packed, plus 1 tbsp for topping
  • ½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup 62 g unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Demerara or raw sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is done.
    Lightly grease the inside of a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
    For easy removal later, cut a strip of parchment paper long enough to cover the bottom and extend up the two longer sides of the pan—this will act as a sling for lifting the loaf once it’s baked.
  • Make the Cinnamon Apple Topping: Take 1 cup of the diced apples and place them into a medium, microwave-safe bowl.
    Set the remaining cup of apples aside for the batter.
    Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the bowl with apples and microwave for about 30–60 seconds, or until the butter is fully melted and hot.
    Stir in 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until the apple pieces are well coated in a glossy, spiced syrup.
    Set this topping mixture aside to cool slightly while you prepare the batter.
  • Create the Buttermilk Substitute: In a glass measuring cup, pour ¾ cup of milk. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and stir briefly.
    Let this mixture rest for 5–10 minutes; the milk will thicken slightly and form a homemade buttermilk, which helps give the bread a tender crumb and subtle tang.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together:
    2 cups of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if preferred)
    1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (reserve the other teaspoon for the topping)
    1 teaspoon of baking soda
    ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
    Whisk until the mixture is evenly combined and no clumps of spice remain. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are distributed throughout the bread.
  • Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, add ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar.
    Using a hand mixer, stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or a sturdy wooden spoon, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 2–3 minutes.
    This step incorporates air into the butter, which contributes to a softer texture in the finished bread.
  • Add Wet Flavor Elements: Beat in ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce, followed by 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
    Mix until the ingredients are fully combined and the batter looks smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to make sure no streaks of butter remain.
  • Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Add half of the dry flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture.
    Mix on low speed just until you see the flour start to disappear—do not overmix. Pour in the milk-and-vinegar mixture and stir gently until combined.
    Then add the remaining half of the flour mixture.
    Mix again on low speed until almost all the flour is blended in, leaving just a few visible streaks.
  • Fold in the Fresh Apples: Take the reserved 1 cup of diced apples and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula.
    Folding prevents the apples from sinking and keeps the batter light.
    Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout for consistent flavor in every slice.
  • Fill the Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
    Spoon the cinnamon apple topping evenly over the top.
    Using a butter knife, very gently swirl the topping into the surface layer of the batter—just a light motion so the topping remains mostly on top for a caramelized finish.
    If desired, sprinkle a few pinches of Demerara or raw sugar over the top for added crunch.
  • Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes.
    Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
    If it still has wet batter, bake for an additional 5 minutes before checking again.
  • Cool Before Slicing: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
    Then, use the parchment paper sling to carefully lift the loaf onto a wire cooling rack.
    Let it cool for an additional 30 minutes before slicing—this resting time allows the bread’s structure to set, ensuring cleaner slices.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Slice thick or thin according to preference, and enjoy warm with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey.
    This bread pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and tartness, but Gala or Fuji work well too.
  • The homemade milk and vinegar mix acts as a quick buttermilk substitute, creating a softer crumb.
  • Applesauce reduces the need for extra butter, keeping the bread moist while lowering saturated fat.
  • Swirling the topping lightly prevents it from sinking too deep while allowing a caramelized surface.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding flour—overmixing can make the bread dense.
  • A sprinkling of Demerara sugar on top adds crunch and bakery-style appeal.
  • Bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

The recipe uses a balanced blend of sugars for flavor depth and milk combined with vinegar to create a perfectly fluffy crumb.

While indulgent in taste, this bread offers fiber from apples, a small boost of plant-based nutrition from applesauce, and lower saturated fat compared to traditional buttery loaves.

It’s ideal for everyday baking—whether enjoyed warm for breakfast, served as an afternoon snack, or prepared ahead for quick grab-and-go slices during busy weeks.

The ease of preparation, simple ingredients, and reliable results make it a go-to recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned home cooks.

Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results

USA Pan 9×5 Inch Loaf Pan

Ensures even heat distribution for a perfectly baked loaf with golden edges. Its non-stick coating makes releasing bread effortless, ideal for all quick bread recipes.

OXO Good Grips Glass Measuring Cup

Accurate liquid measurements are crucial for the right batter consistency. The clear, angled markings make reading measurements easy from above—perfect for both baking and cooking.

KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer

Effortlessly creams butter and sugar to a light, fluffy texture. Compact yet powerful, it’s a versatile tool for batters, whipped cream, and even mashed potatoes.

Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)

Durable and heat-safe, these bowls are great for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately. They double as microwave-safe containers for melting butter or prepping apples.

Nordic Ware Silicone Spatula

Flexible and heat-resistant, perfect for folding in apples without overmixing. Also ideal for scraping every last bit of batter into the pan.

Chef’s Secrets for Exceptional Results

Choosing the right apple is key—Honeycrisp apples bring a crisp texture and natural sweetness that holds up during baking, preventing the bread from turning soggy.

For maximum flavor, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars; this step traps air, creating a lighter loaf.

When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently and stop as soon as the flour disappears to avoid overdeveloping gluten.

For a bakery-style touch, use a high-quality European-style butter with higher fat content—it enhances flavor and gives the crumb a more tender, rich finish.

Finally, baking the bread in the middle rack ensures even cooking without over-browning the top.

Serving Suggestions to Savor Every Slice

This bread shines as a cozy breakfast paired with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai.

Serve it warm with a smear of salted butter for a rich, comforting bite, or top with cream cheese for a tangy contrast.

For a dessert twist, add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It also makes an elegant tea-time treat alongside a fresh fruit platter.

For a brunch spread, slice the loaf into thick pieces and serve alongside savory dishes for a sweet-and-savory balance.

Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh

Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week, but bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving to restore its softness.

This bread also freezes beautifully—wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady are all excellent alternatives, though they may vary slightly in sweetness and texture.

2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the same results without altering the texture.

3. Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the batter or using cold butter can make the bread dense. Make sure butter is softened and mix only until ingredients are combined.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce total sugar by 2–3 tablespoons without significantly affecting texture, though flavor will be slightly less sweet.

5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use a plant-based butter substitute. The results will still be moist and flavorful.

Ruth J. Pickett

Ruth J. Pickett is the founder of Foodline24.com, a website dedicated to sharing all kinds of recipes for cooks of every level. With a deep love for food and years of kitchen experience, Ruth curates simple, flavorful dishes that inspire everyday cooking. Her mission is to make cooking easy, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone.