Homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Homemade apple cinnamon bread recipe is the kind of warm, sweet, and cozy treat that defines fall baking. Bursting with chunks of fresh apple, swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, and finished with a buttery, golden crust—this easy quick bread is as comforting as it is delicious. The best part? You can make it in just an hour, and it stores beautifully for breakfast, snacks, or dessert all week long.

Whether you bake it in a loaf pan or turn it into mini loaves for gifting, this is one fall recipe you’ll come back to every year.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍎 Packed with fresh apples – Every slice is bursting with flavor
• ⏱️ No yeast, no rise time – Quick mix-and-bake method
• ❄️ Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and enjoy for months
• 🧈 Moist and rich – Perfect crumb thanks to butter and milk
• 🧁 Mini loaf friendly – Great for gifting or meal prep

Ingredients

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Bread Batter

• 1 large apple, peeled and finely chopped (Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• ½ cup milk (any variety works)

💡 Tip: You’ll want about 1½ cups of chopped apples in total.

Instructions

1. Prepare the cinnamon sugar

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

2. Make the batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar until crumbly. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Finally, stir in the milk until fully incorporated into a smooth batter.

3. Assemble the loaf

Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment. Pour in half the batter, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with half the chopped apples and half the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar. Gently swirl the top with a butter knife if desired.

4. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool and serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm on its own or with butter.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 slices
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)

• Calories: 342
• Carbs: 53g
• Sugar: 33g
• Protein: 4.5g
• Fat: 13.2g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fiber: 1.6g

Note: Based on standard loaf. Actual values vary with mini loaf size and ingredients used.

Tips & Variations

• 🍏 Best apples for baking: Use firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala.
• 🧁 Mini loaves: Divide batter between three 5.75×3 inch loaf pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
• ❄️ Freeze for later: Slice and wrap individually before freezing.
• 🔄 Mix it up: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• 🍃 Dairy-free? Use almond milk and plant-based butter—works perfectly!

FAQs

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

No, this recipe is designed for texture from the chopped apples. Applesauce would make the batter too wet.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly softer but still delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep covered at room temperature for up to 1 week. Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh.

Can I make it ahead and freeze?

Absolutely. Freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave gently to warm.

Conclusion

This homemade apple cinnamon bread recipe is your golden ticket to fall baking happiness. It’s easy, cozy, and made with love—and apples. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or gifting, this bread will fill your kitchen with irresistible cinnamon aromas and become a go-to year after year.