This Apple Cinnamon Bread is soft, moist, and filled with tender pieces of apple and warm cinnamon flavor. A sweet cinnamon-sugar layer runs through the loaf, while the top develops a lightly crisp, golden crust as it bakes. It’s a simple homemade quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the apples.
Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the bread and become tender during baking.
Set the diced apples aside.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Set the dry mixture aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Mix gently after each addition and stop as soon as the batter comes together.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense.
6. Fold in the Apples
Add the diced apples to the batter.
Using a spatula, gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed.
7. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Stir until the mixture forms a thick, crumbly paste.
8. Layer the Bread
Pour about half of the apple bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
Add the remaining batter on top and gently spread it into an even layer.
9. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the bread.
10. Bake
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the final part of baking.
11. Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 15 minutes.
Use the parchment paper to carefully lift the loaf from the pan.
Transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool for another 30–45 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Cinnamon Bread
- Use apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
- Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they cook properly.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh.
- Let the loaf cool before slicing so it holds its shape.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Bread
Store completely cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature or warm them briefly before serving.
Can You Freeze Apple Cinnamon Bread?
Yes, this bread freezes well.
Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
You can also freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Bread is a delicious homemade loaf filled with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl. The tender texture and sweet apple flavor make it an especially comforting treat during the fall season.
Enjoy a slice warm with butter, alongside a cup of coffee, or simply on its own for a cozy homemade snack.
