Cinnamon apple bread recipe fans, here’s a question that might just challenge everything you know about baking: What if the key to perfect fruit bread isn’t just the apples, but how you pair them with spice, moisture, and timing? While many home bakers struggle to create a loaf that’s both flavorful and moist, this cinnamon apple bread recipe delivers a foolproof, crowd-pleasing result every time.
Within this post, you’ll discover a cinnamon apple bread recipe that’s easy to follow, adaptable to different diets, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re an occasional baker or a seasoned pro, this loaf will earn its place in your regular baking rotation.
Ingredients List
A well-balanced cinnamon apple bread recipe starts with quality ingredients and smart substitutions. Here’s everything you need for a rich, warmly spiced loaf.
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour – use gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
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1 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon – the star of any cinnamon apple bread recipe.
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1/4 tsp nutmeg – adds extra warmth and complexity.
Wet Ingredients:
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup vegetable oil – or applesauce for a lighter version.
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1/4 cup Greek yogurt – adds creaminess and moisture.
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3/4 cup brown sugar – deepens the flavor with caramel notes.
Apples:
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2 medium apples, peeled and chopped – Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best.
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1 tbsp lemon juice – keeps apples fresh and tart.
Optional Toppings:
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Cinnamon-sugar crumble – mix 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
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Chopped walnuts or pecans – optional, but delicious.
This cinnamon apple bread recipe is flexible—swap ingredients based on your pantry or health preferences without sacrificing taste.
Timing
This cinnamon apple bread recipe takes less time than most fruit-based loaves:
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Bake time: 50–55 minutes
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Total time: 65–70 minutes
Compared to the average quick bread, which takes over 90 minutes start to finish, this version bakes 20–25% faster, thanks to optimized moisture ratios and leavening balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by chopping and coating apples in lemon juice. This not only brightens their flavor but helps them maintain a firm texture in the bread.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. A consistent dry mix ensures even distribution of spices throughout your cinnamon apple bread recipe.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, brown sugar, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth. A silky wet base is key to a moist, tender loaf.
Step 4: Bring it Together
Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry. Don’t overmix—doing so will make the bread dense. Once the batter is combined, gently fold in the chopped apples.
Step 5: Pan and Top
Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Sprinkle on cinnamon-sugar crumble or chopped nuts if desired—this step adds crunch and bakery-style appeal to your cinnamon apple bread recipe.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This keeps the loaf intact and ensures easier slicing.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutrition per slice (based on 10 servings):
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Calories: 220
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Fat: 9g
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Carbohydrates: 33g
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Sugar: 18g
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Fiber: 2g
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Protein: 3g
Unlike many sugary commercial loaves, this cinnamon apple bread recipe features natural fruit sugars and protein-rich yogurt, offering a more balanced nutritional profile.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
This cinnamon apple bread recipe can easily be made healthier without sacrificing taste:
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Use whole wheat or oat flour for added fiber.
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Swap sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup to lower the glycemic index.
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Replace oil with applesauce for a fat-free version.
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Go vegan with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and plant-based yogurt.
These small changes can make your cinnamon apple bread recipe suitable for clean eating, plant-based diets, or lower-calorie plans.
Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon apple bread recipe shines in many settings:
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Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
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Pair with vanilla ice cream for a rustic dessert.
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Toast slices and top with cream cheese for breakfast.
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Cut into cubes and use in a bread pudding.
You’ll be surprised how versatile this cinnamon apple bread recipe is—it’s great for brunch, gifting, or just cozy evenings at home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a great cinnamon apple bread recipe can go sideways without the right approach. Avoid these baking blunders:
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Using the wrong apples – too soft and your bread turns mushy. Stick to firm types like Honeycrisp.
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Overmixing the batter – leads to a tough, dense loaf.
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Skipping preheating – causes uneven baking.
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Not testing doneness – always check with a toothpick for best results.
Learning from these mistakes ensures your cinnamon apple bread recipe turns out perfect every time.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Make your cinnamon apple bread recipe last longer with proper storage:
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Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Fridge: Keeps fresh for 5–7 days, wrapped tightly.
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Freezer: Wrap individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or toast lightly.
For ultimate moisture retention, store with a slice of apple or a damp paper towel.
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for fall, brunch, or your weekly snack prep, this cinnamon apple bread recipe is your go-to. It’s moist, fragrant, and endlessly customizable. With just the right balance of spice, texture, and sweetness, it’s a loaf that wins over even picky eaters.
Try this cinnamon apple bread recipe today and let us know how it turns out! Share your own variations in the comments or tag us in your photos. Want more like this? Check out our Pumpkin Spice Bread, Carrot Apple Muffins, and Spiced Pear Loaf.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cinnamon apple bread recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking soda is GF-certified.
Q: What kind of apples are best?
A: Use firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Absolutely! Divide batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Q: Why is my bread dense or gummy?
A: You may have overmixed the batter or used too juicy of an apple. Try draining or patting apples dry.
Q: How long will the cinnamon apple bread recipe stay fresh?
A: Up to 3 days at room temperature, 7 days refrigerated, and 2 months frozen.