Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

This delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread blends tender, spiced batter with fresh apple chunks and a heavenly swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon. A crisp, caramelized topping and a light cinnamon glaze add irresistible texture and autumn warmth. Perfect for savoring cozy moments during the fall season.

I’m excited to share my Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe that brings the true taste of autumn into your kitchen. I start by mixing 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon so that every bite is full of spice.

Then I incorporate 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs at room temperature, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 cup sour cream. The star of the loaf is 2 cups of peeled diced apples which combine with a swirl made from 1/2 cup brown sugar and an extra 1/2 cup diced apples mixed with cinnamon.

The crisp topping of 1/2 cup brown sugar, a teaspoon ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons melted butter adds a firm bite that balances the soft texture. I love how each slice brings a bit of nutritional value thanks to the fiber in the apples and protein from the eggs making it both filling and indulgent.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes me back to fall every time I bake it. The smell of cinnamon and apples is just like a warm autumn hug that makes me feel cozy inside. I also dig the way the brown sugar and cinnamon swirl runs right through the bread—it adds a pretty cool burst of flavor with every bite. Plus, that crisp topping gives it a little crunch that totally stands out against the soft, moist interior. Finally, that sweet cinnamon glaze on top ties the whole thing together and makes it feel extra special when I share it with friends and family.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: gives structure and carbohydrates, keeping the bread soft and satisfying.
• Apples: add natural sweetness, fiber, and moisture for a balanced, tasty texture.
• Cinnamon: infuses warm spice, enhancing flavor and aroma without overpowering.
• Unsalted butter: supplies rich taste and fat; makes the loaf moist and tender.
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the bread, balancing tangy sour cream and spicy cinnamon.
• Sour cream: adds tang, moisture and tender crumb, making every bite delightful.
• Swirl: mixed brown sugar, cinnamon, diced apples create a sweet, crunchy layer.
• Crisp topping: brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter form a crunchy, caramelized finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temp
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 large apples)
• For the swirl: 1/2 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup extra diced apples
• For the crisp topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter
• For the cinnamon glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, and a pinch of ground cinnamon

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan so your bread wont stick.

2. In a bowl, sift together the 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

3. In a big mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together till it gets light and fluffy, then add the 2 eggs one at a time and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

4. Mix in 1 cup sour cream into the butter mixture until it is nearly combined.

5. Gradually fold in your dry ingredients and then add the 2 cups diced apples (peeled) until you see a smooth batter.

6. For the swirl, stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup extra diced apples into one half of your batter.

7. Pour the plain batter into your loaf pan first, then drop spoonfuls of the swirl batter on top and use a knife to do a few gentle swirls for that autumn look.

8. Mix up the crisp topping by combining 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons melted butter then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.

9. Bake for about 55 to 65 minutes, checking with a toothpick near the end to make sure it comes out clean and not over baked.

10. While your bread is cooling a little, prepare the glaze by whisking 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk and a pinch of ground cinnamon until smooth, then drizzle on top of the cooled bread before serving. Enjoy your bread even if its not perfect every time!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 9×5 inch loaf pan (greased before using)
3. Mixing bowl for sifting dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon)
4. Large mixing bowl and an electric or hand mixer for beating butter and sugar
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts
6. Spatula for folding in sour cream and dry ingredients
7. Knife for swirling the batter with the cinnamon apple mixture
8. Another small bowl to combine the glaze ingredients and a whisk to mix them
9. Toothpick to check the doneness of your bread
10. Cooling rack to let your bread cool before glazing

Make sure you have all this stuff handy before you start your recipe so nothing interrupts your baking flow. Enjoy the process even if things aren’t perfect every time!

FAQ

Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All-purpose flour: Try using whole wheat pastry flour instead. It gives a nuttier flavor though it might make the bread a bit denser.
• Unsalted butter: You can substitute with coconut oil or margarine. Just be sure to melt the coconut oil before mixing in if you do that.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt works fine as an alternative. It gives the same tanginess and moisture, but use full-fat for the best results.
• Granulated sugar: Coconut sugar is a good swap if you’re looking for a slightly different caramel-like note in your bread.
• Apples: If you’re not a fan or can’t find apples, try ditching with pears. They have a similar texture once diced and work well in the recipe.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature so they mix together smooth and light up the flavor of the loaf.
2. Sift your dry ingredients really well before folding them in; it helps to keep the texture airy and stops any clumping.
3. When you add the swirl, try not to overmix it back into the batter. Keeping the layers separated gives you that awesome visual appeal and extra burst of cinnamon taste.
4. Always check your bread a few minutes before the end of the bake with a toothpick inserted in the middle because ovens run differently and you dont want to overbake it.