Apple Bread with Cinnamon Sugar is a moist, flavorful loaf packed with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon-spiced sugar. Perfect for autumn mornings or a cozy afternoon snack, this bread fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.

Sweet but not overpowering, it strikes the perfect balance between soft, fluffy texture and a lightly crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Each slice offers a tender crumb and bursts of apple flavor, making it a beloved treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet deeply satisfying. The combination of tender, juicy apple chunks and the sweet, fragrant cinnamon sugar topping makes each bite irresistible. It’s a perfect homemade treat that tastes far more complex than it is to make.

The bread stays moist for days, making it ideal for slicing and sharing with family and friends. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking is pure comfort!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Sugar is a must-try because it’s versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a snack, or even as a dessert topped with a dollop of cream or butter.

The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch, while the bread itself remains soft and moist. It’s a classic recipe with a homey, cozy appeal that will instantly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: 70–75 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Calories: ~280 kcal per slice

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American / European
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert

Ingredients

For the Bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven and grease a loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in chopped apples.
Pour batter into pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool, slice, and serve.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Prepare Topping and Pour Batter

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Slice the bread warm or at room temperature. Serve plain, or with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or milk. For a dessert twist, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use firm, sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best flavor.
Do not overmix the batter — overmixing can make the bread dense.
Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar for a crunchier top.
Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Variations

Apple Walnut Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts for crunch.
Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Apple Raisin Bread: Add ½ cup raisins for sweetness.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes or in a toaster oven.

Special Equipment Needed

9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Electric mixer (optional)
Knife and cutting board for apples
Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-grated apples instead of chopping them?
Yes, just squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy bread.

Q2: Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
Absolutely! Adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes for muffins.

Q3: What type of apples work best?
Firm, sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are ideal.

Q4: Can I add spices?
Yes — nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of cloves enhances flavor.

Q5: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes — substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Apple Bread with Cinnamon Sugar is a cozy, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the aroma of baked apples and warm cinnamon. Moist, tender, and lightly sweetened, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Easy to make yet impressive in flavor, it’s a recipe that will become a staple in your home. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delicious taste of autumn or any time of the year!