Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread is filled with soft brown sugar, delicious cinnamon, and chunks of fresh apples. This cinnamon apple swirl bread is a delicious quick bread recipe that’s a must-make fall treat.
This amazing apple bread recipe is the perfect breakfast bread to have with a good, hot cup of coffee or tea. If you love apple recipes then we know you will love this Skillet Apple Pumpkin Pie, full of fall flavor. Or make this Easy Apple Crisp, juicy apple pieces topped with streusel.
Best Cinnamon Apple Bread
The smell of this apple bread baking in the oven is tantalizing. The warm aroma of cinnamon fills the air and mixes with juicy apples. It’s better than any fall scented candle out there. Your entire house will smell like a bakery.
My kids were begging to eat this apple cinnamon swirl bread right as it came out of the oven. We had to wait, inconveniently and impatiently, for it to cool down first before we could devour it. This bread was beautiful as it sat on the counter to cool.
Let me tell you, though, this loaf of apple cinnamon bread was worth that wait. We had to hold ourselves back from eating the whole loaf.
This bread is so soft and sweet and perfectly “fall.” It makes me think of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Or on those warmer fall days try Apple Cider Slushies, a frosty drink to help cool you down. If fall had a flavor I think it would be cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin!
My favorite part about this apple bread was that it was topped with a sprinkling of sweet, white sugar and a bunch of cinnamon to give it a slightly crisp, delicate crust. Sooo goood!
It has the perfect amount of apples and just the right amount of cinnamon.
What are the Best Apples to Use for Apple Bread?
I love to bake with Granny Smith apples! So I chose those for this recipe because of their tartness. But other apples that would work well are Gala apples, Pink Lady apples, Braeburn apples, Honeycrisp apples, or Golden Delicious apples. If you prefer, sweet apples can also be used. You can even try mixing different types of apples together.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Ingredients
These are the basic ingredients needed to make cinnamon apple bread. The recipe card at the bottom of this blog post for full amounts.
- Flour: All-purpose flour.
- Baking Powder: Make sure it is not expired.
- Cinnamon: You will need to use ground cinnamon. The apple cake needs cinnamon in the recipe plus more for the top.
- Salt: Fine kosher or fine sea salt.
- Butter: Unsalted butter.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar works well.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar for inside the bread and also some to sprinkle on top.
- Eggs: I use large eggs.
- Vanilla: Be sure to use vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla flavoring.
- Milk: I use whole milk.
- Apple: I use two medium Granny Smith apples (large apples will also work).
How to Make Apple Bread Recipe
Here are the basic instructions to make the recipe. Check out the recipe card below for the full instructions on how to make apple bread.
- Preheat oven.
- Coat the inside of a 9×5 loaf pan with a little butter. Line the inside with parchment then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients like flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Set this to the side.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer using paddle attachment, cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter over medium speed. Mixture will be crumbly, keep mixing till it comes together.
- Add in vanilla and eggs, combine. Next add in milk.
- Turn mixer to low and slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing between adding it in.
- Remove bowl from the mixer and gently hand stir in the chopped apples.
- Pour apple mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Combine cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle on top of the bread.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out with a few crumbs attached.
- Let the bread rest in the loaf pan until cool, about 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe Tips
- Butter wrapper. Use the butter wrapper to coat the inside of the loaf pan.
- Apple chunks. Your apple pieces don’t need to be exactly the same size, just chop them into similar sized chunks.
- Preparing apples. I used a vegetable peeler to peel the skin off the apples. Then I used an apple corer/slicer to cut the apple into slices before cutting them into small chunks.
- Pans may cook differently. I used a metal baking pan, if you use glass the cooking times may be different. Check the bread after 30 minutes of cooking and then every 5-10 minutes to make sure it does not overcook.
- Keep bread in pan to cool. This part is difficult, but make sure to let this sweet bread cool in the pan before trying to remove it or it may fall apart.
- What to serve with apple bread? Serve this cinnamon bread with a scoop of ice cream or a warm mug of coffee.
Storage Instructions for Easy Apple Bread Recipe
- How to Refrigerate Apple Cinnamon Bread : Let the apple bread cool and put in a glass container or BPA-free airtight container or zipper bag. The bread should last about 3-4 days in the fridge or 2-3 days on the counter.
- How to Freeze Apple Cinnamon Bread: Let the apple bread cool off completely before putting into an airtight glass, BPA-free freezer-safe bag or freezer-safe plastic container. Make sure to label with the recipe name and date. It should last about 3 months in the freezer.
- How to Thaw Frozen Apple Cinnamon Bread : Thaw the frozen bread on a plate in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature (or pop in the microwave for a few seconds) before serving.
Try these other recipes!
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Apple Cider Slushie
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Coffee Cake Strawberry Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Oat Banana Bread
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Apple Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ground
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar light brown
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Granny Smith apples medium, peeled, and chopped
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Coat the inside of a 9×5 loaf pan with a butter. Line the inside with parchment then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Set this to the side.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter over medium speed. Mixture will be crumbly, keep mixing till it comes together.
- Add in vanilla and eggs, combine. Next add in milk and mix until combined.
- Turn mixer to low and slowly add in flour, mixing between adding it in.
- Remove bowl from the mixer and gently hand stir in the chopped apples.
- Pour mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Combine cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle on top of bread.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out with a few crumbs attached.
- Let the bread rest in the loaf pan until cool, about 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin off the apples.
- Allow bread to cool down before removing it from the pan to ensure it doesn’t fall apart.
- Store apple bread at room temperature for 2-3 days or the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out!
If you’ve tried this or any other of my recipes, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and leave me a comment. I love hearing from you! Share a picture on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookedharvest.
Matt
Solid crowd pleaser – every time!!!
Tristin
I think this is the best apple bread to make during the fall everyone always loves it. Thank you, Matt.
Chloe
THIS APPLE BREAD IS THE BEST!!!!!!
Tristin
Thx Chloe, my family really likes it too 🙂
Jeab
Love it. It’s a keeper. Moist and flavorful. I made it without the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. It’s delicious.
Tristin
We really love this apple bread also, Jeab. I’ll have to try it with the reduced sugar, thanks for the tip and for the comment.
Sheby
This turned out moist and delicious and that cinnamon sugar topping was the perfect finishing touch. My family loved this recipe and I will be making it again!
Tristin
Oh good, I am so happy this turned out so well for you Sheby and that your family loved it. This is our favorite sweet bread to make in the fall. Thanks!!
Lauren
Does this recipe freeze well?
Tristin
Yes, this apple bread can be frozen and freezes well. Just let it come to room temperature then wrap it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil (for a little extra protection) and place into an airtight freezer safe container. My biggest tip is to make sure to write what recipe it is and the date. It will last in the freezer for about 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, just let it thaw at room temp until defrosted. Hopefully this helps, Lauren.
Marta
Apple cinnamon is one of my favorite combinations. I love that this bread was so easy to make and came out flavorful and moist. I’ll definitely be repeating this recipe in the future.
Tristin
Mmmm, me too! Such a great combo. Great, thanks Marta!
Gloria
This is great for dessert, but if you are like me, breakfast. I love the aroma as it bakes. The grandkids devoured this apple loaf.
Tristin
Oh I definitely eat this for breakfast! That’s great Gloria, I’m glad even your grandkids got to enjoy the apple bread.
Lauren Michael Harris
This apple cinnamon bread is a favorite around here, especially for breakfast. We love that it’s easy to grab and go and SO delicious!!
Tristin
Grab and go foods are so great! This makes a quick breakfast. Thanks Lauren.
Kayla DiMaggio
Loving this apple cinnamon bread! It was so easy to make and the apple flavor was great!
Tristin
Yay, I’m so happy that you loved this apple bread! It is our favorite!!
Amanda
This bread is fabulous! It was nice and moist with the perfect kick of cinnamon. What a great recipe!
Tristin
Thanks so much, Amanda! We love this cinnamon bread.
Cathleen
This might be one of my favourite breads I have ever made! It is definitely going to be one of my go-to recipes from now on 🙂
Tristin
Awww, that is so sweet Cathleen! I hope you enjoy it every time you make it!
Heidy
Your Apple Cinnamon Bread was so wonderful! I loved every bite and will be making this again soon! I think I will make a double batch so I can freeze some to pop out for a quick bite with my morning coffee!
I am looking forward to trying a few other recipes on your blog as well!
Tristin
Heidy, you are so super sweet! This bread is excellent with coffee. Thanks for commenting!!
Natalie
Oh wow, what a lovely dessert. This is a perfect baking project for weekends. Yum! I can’t wait to make this for my body. and me. Thank you for this lovely recipe.
Tristin
You are so welcome Natalie. I hope you love this apple bread!
Ksenia
I’m not going to lie, apple desserts is probably the #1 thing we make in my house – and this bread was so good, it’s going into our regular repertoire! Loved the cinnamon flavor and the soft, chewy texture.
Tristin
Apple desserts are the best, especially a good apple crisp!! This one is hands down our favorite apple bread. Thanks, Ksenia!
Casey
I def. didn’t wait until fall to make this one! It didn’t disappoint! So yummy!
Tristin
This is a great recipe to make year ’round for sure. Thanks so much Casey!
Mirlene
A delicious and oh so yummy apple bread. I pair a slice with a cup of coffee on my midday break!
Tristin
Oooh, I like where you are going with this, Mirlene. Thanks for commenting!
Anjali
This quick bread recipe is so delicious!! It was moist and perfectly sweet, and filled my house with the most amazing aromas – felt just like fall!
Tristin
Anjali, I looove the way this makes the house smell, too. I am so happy that you loved this apple recipe!
Jamie
My mom will LOVE this! Can’t wait to gift her with a loaf of this apple cinnamon bread!
Tristin
I love that you are making this for your mom, Jamie. Hope she adores it as much as we do!
Kris
So moist and flavorful! Thank you for another winner! 🙂
Tristin
Thanks so much Kris, I am so happy you liked this one!
Debi
This was easy to make and so delicious. I made it for a special weekend brunch, and everyone loved it.
Tristin
Yay! I’m so happy that everyone loved this recipe. Thanks Debi!
Susannah
This turned out so deliciously! I can’t wait to make it again.
Tristin
This is our favorite bread, so I am so happy you loved it! Thanks so much!!
Megan
This is so good! I doubled the recipe to freeze the second loaf for later but it might not last that long!
Tristin
Such a great idea! I know it never lasts long at our house!
Michaela Kenkel
We had this for Easter Brunch and there wasn’t a morsel left!! It turned out SO GOOD!
Tristin
Such a great idea to make this for Easter! So glad that everyone loved it! Thanks Michaela.
Kathleen
It was chilly over the weekend, which made me want something warm and comforting, this bread did not disappoint!
Tristin
This bread is the perfect comfort food!
Julie
This bread is just delicious. It was simple to put together and so moist. We had a slice at breakfast but I brought it out for lunch and dinner too.
Tristin
We really love this one, so glad you found it! Thanks so much Julie!
Elaine
I’ve made this twice in a few days because it is just that good! Thanks for the recipe!
Tristin
This is hands down our most favorite apple bread recipe! I am so glad you found it and love it. Thanks so much for your sweet comment Elaine!!
Brooke
We picked apples from an orchard last weekend and I have been looking for ways to use them. Found this recipe and my family has asked me to make this three times in the past week! The first two loaves lasted less than a day. So yummy and the sugary crust is the best part! I did notice that it does take my oven longer to bake the bread though or it’s mushy in the center. Is this how it’s supposed to be or is it supposed to be more like the consistency of pumpkin bread?
Tristin
Hi Brooke, The bread should definitely be cooked through the center. All ovens cook differently, so yours may need a little more time. I am so happy that your family enjoys this bread so much, it is a favorite in our home, too!
Ann
Oh this bread looks and sounds delicious! Sounds like a great fall flavored treat! Excited to give it a try!
Tristin
I hope you love this apple bread Ann, it is our favorite fall treat!
Zhen
This screams fall to me! I Love apple and cinnamon!
Tristin
This is the perfect bread for fall!
Jamie
Wow! This apple cinnamon bread just looks so delicious and yummy! The texture is so perfect, makes it more appealing! Totally loved it!
Tristin
I am so happy you loved this bread Jamie! Thanks!
Amy Liu Dong
Hands up to this recipe!
I made it and it is delicious and easy to make.
My kids love it!
Tristin
Thanks so much Amy! This recipe is a favorite around here, too.
Leslie
I didn’t have milk on hand , so I subbed sour cream. It was AWESOME.
Tristin
Leslie, I’m so glad that substitution worked out so well for you! Thanks for trying our recipe and letting us know your experience.
silvia
This is a winner! And what is not to love? Cinnamon and apple in cake. This is so moist and delicious but overall very easy to make. We are big cinnamon fans in this house so the 2 teaspoons are about right for the cinnamony flavor.
Jamie
This is such a great-looking Apple Cinnamon Bread, Looks delicious, and very fluffy! The texture makes it so enticing! A perfect bread for this Fall season!
Elana Lewis
Making it today, though I am making muffins instead of bread. In terms of baking time, how much time should I bake for?
Tristin
Hi Elana 😀 I haven’t made this bread into muffins, so I am unsure on the exact time. Maybe start with about 15-20 minutes, add time until a toothpick comes back with just a few moist crumbs from the center of a muffin. Hopefully this helps.