Description
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a moist, buttery loaf infused with warm cinnamon and chunks of caramelized apples. It features a delightful brown sugar-cinnamon swirl and a crunchy topping, making it the perfect cozy treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
For the Apple Mixture:
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons water or milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the apple filling: In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and milk, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft.
- Layer the batter and apple mixture: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the apple mixture over it, then lightly swirl with a knife. Add the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the apple mixture, and swirl again.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Prepare the glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and water or milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour for half of the flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
- Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- If freezing, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking, Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 261
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 58mg