There’s something truly comforting about pulling a loaf of freshly baked apple bread out of the oven and watching that golden crust glisten with the touch of cinnamon sugar. This Cinnamon-Infused Baked Apple Bread is exactly what your cozy kitchen dreams are made of—moist, tender, and bursting with sweet-tart apple goodness. With warm cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg woven through every bite, it’s like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re chasing away a crisp autumn chill or simply craving something to brighten your morning coffee ritual, this quick bread delivers all the nostalgia and flavor you could ask for, without demanding hours of prep time.
What makes this recipe so friendly for new bakers is how straightforward it is: just 20 minutes of prep, 60 minutes of baking, and 15 minutes of resting time before you can indulge. It’s classified as a Beginner-level dessert that slots perfectly into any part of your day—breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to dinner. Each slice clocks in at around 250 calories, making it easy to plan your treats without straying too far from your daily goals. Warm up your kitchen with this delightful Cinnamon-Infused Baked Apple Bread recipe, perfect for any cozy occasion—trust me, you’ll want to share it, but you might also keep a secret stash just for yourself!
Last weekend, I found myself reminiscing about my grandmother’s legendary kitchen, where the scent of cinnamon and apples would dance through the air at the first hint of fall. I remember sneaking a sliver of her famous apple loaf while she wasn’t looking—its crispy cinnamon-sugar crust crackling under my teeth, giving way to a soft, buttery crumb infused with just the right tang from Granny Smith apples. It felt like pure magic. That memory inspired me to create this Cinnamon-Infused Baked Apple Bread: a recipe that nods to those cherished moments but streamlines the steps for busy home cooks.
I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, though Fuji or Gala work beautifully if you’re after a sweeter spin. Feel free to sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans, or even add a pinch of cloves for an extra layer of warmth. Whether you’re sipping cider by the fire or packing slices into your kiddo’s lunchbox, this bread is about creating moments of simple joy. So roll up your sleeves—this loaf is waiting to fill your home with comfort food vibes and that irresistible fall charm.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON-INFUSED BAKED APPLE BREAD
Before diving into the mixing bowls, let’s take a quick tour of the stars that make this apple bread shine. Each component plays an important part, from building the structure to delivering tender moisture, sweet warmth, and delightful crunch.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the sturdy framework of the loaf, giving it structure while still allowing for a tender crumb.
- Baking soda
Helps the bread rise evenly and contributes to that light, airy texture you love in quick breads.
- Baking powder
Works alongside baking soda to ensure a perfect lift and a uniform, soft interior.
- Salt
Balances sweetness and accentuates the cinnamon and apple flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Ground cinnamon
The star spice that delivers warm, cozy notes in every bite, pairing perfectly with apples.
- Ground nutmeg
A subtle partner to cinnamon, adding depth and a hint of earthy complexity.
- Unsalted butter, softened
Adds richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb and a lovely mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the loaf and helps achieve a delicate crust and caramelized top.
- Brown sugar
Infuses a hint of molasses flavor, boosting the overall warmth and moistness of the bread.
- Large eggs
Provide structure and binding, ensuring each slice holds together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract
Lifts the flavor profile with sweet, floral notes that complement both cinnamon and apple.
- Sour cream
Adds tangy richness and extra moisture, keeping the bread soft for days.
- Peeled and diced apples
Fresh fruit pieces that burst with juicy flavor—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for that perfect tart-sweet balance.
- Chopped walnuts (optional)
Offer a pleasant crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft bread, though they can be swapped with pecans or omitted.
- Cinnamon-sugar topping
A simple mix that crowns the loaf with a sweet, crackling crust that you won’t be able to resist.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON-INFUSED BAKED APPLE BREAD
Now let’s put it all together! This section walks you through the steps to craft your perfect cinnamon-infused apple loaf, ensuring each stage gets the attention it deserves for a superb result.
1. Preheat your oven and prep the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then set it aside so it’s ready when your batter is mixed.
2. Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk gently to distribute the spices evenly. Set this dry mix aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step aerates the batter for a tender crumb.
4. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth, cohesive batter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate wet and dry ingredients. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the flour mix, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten.
6. Fold in apples and walnuts. Using a spatula, gently fold the diced apples and chopped walnuts into the batter. Be careful not to overmix—leave little swirls of batter to keep the loaf tender.
7. Transfer to the pan and top. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top for a crunchy, sweet crust.
8. Bake to golden perfection. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
9. Cool before slicing. Let the bread rest in the loaf pan for 15 minutes, then gently remove it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures clean slices and preserves moisture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON-INFUSED BAKED APPLE BREAD
Presenting this loaf can be nearly as fun as baking it! Think about the moment you plan to share it—whether it’s a leisurely breakfast, a cozy afternoon break, or a festive dessert. Here are a few delicious ways to elevate each slice and make every serving feel special.
- Warm slices with apple butter
Toast or gently reheat slices, then spread a generous layer of apple butter for a silky-sweet complement that echoes the cinnamon-apple theme.
- Top with whipped cream or mascarpone
Dollop freshly whipped cream or a smear of mascarpone on each slice. The creamy, airy texture balances the tender bread and enhances the dessert course.
- Pair with a hot beverage
Serve your bread alongside a cup of spiced chai, hot apple cider, or a rich latte. The warm spices in your drink harmonize beautifully with the bread’s cinnamon notes.
- Serve alongside vanilla ice cream
Transform a slice into an indulgent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold, soft and creamy, is downright irresistible.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON-INFUSED BAKED APPLE BREAD
Proper storage ensures that every slice retains the tender crumb and vibrant flavors of apple and cinnamon. Whether you’re saving leftovers or preparing batches for gifting, follow these tips to maintain freshness and prevent dryness.
- Room temperature in an airtight container
Once completely cooled, place slices or the whole loaf in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Refrigeration for extended freshness
For an extra day or two of shelf life, wrap the loaf in foil after sealing it in plastic wrap, then refrigerate. Bring to room temperature or lightly toast before serving to restore softness.
- Freezing for long-term storage
Slice the bread before freezing so you can grab only what you need. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. The loaf freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature or warm in a low oven.
- Portion control and grab-and-go
Cut into individual slices and wrap each in parchment paper before placing in an airtight box. This method is perfect for packing lunches, picnics, or sharing with friends without needing to thaw the entire loaf.
CONCLUSION
Bringing this Cinnamon-Infused Baked Apple Bread into your home is like inviting a warm, fragrant hug into the heart of your kitchen. Throughout this article, we’ve covered everything from the simple yet essential ingredients—flour, butter, sugars, and freshly diced apples—to the step-by-step instructions that guide even a beginner baker through a flawless loaf. With its easy 20-minute prep, hour-long bake, and a short 15-minute cool-down, this recipe proves that delightful desserts needn’t be complicated. You’ve also learned how to serve each slice with flair—whether you choose whipped cream, apple butter, or a scoop of ice cream—and how to keep your leftover slices as fresh as day one, whether at room temperature, in the fridge, or tucked away in the freezer.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use; tuck it in your recipe binder or pin it to your digital cookbook so you can revisit these cozy baking instructions whenever you’re in the mood for a little homemade comfort. And remember, right below this conclusion is a handy FAQ section where you can find quick answers to common questions about ingredient swaps, troubleshooting, and more. If you try the recipe or need any guidance along the way, I’d love to hear from you—drop your comments, questions, or feedback below. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet warmth of cinnamon and apples!
Cinnamon-Infused Baked Apple Bread
Description
Experience the warm aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked apples in this irresistible bread. It's moist, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
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Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts, taking care not to overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top for a delightful crust.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
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Allow the bread to cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- For a burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of allspice or cloves to the dry ingredients.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, use sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Gala.
- The walnuts can be omitted or substituted with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- This bread stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve with a dollop of apple butter or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
