Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread is the perfect cozy treat, filled with soft chunks of apple and a comforting hint of cinnamon that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. The bread has a tender crumb with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a lovely snack or breakfast option that feels both hearty and homemade.
I love how this bread fills the kitchen with that inviting smell of cinnamon and baked apples while it’s in the oven—it always makes me feel like fall is right around the corner. One of my favorite things about this bread is how easy it is to make, yet it tastes like you put in a lot of care and effort. I find it’s a great recipe to bake when I want something simple but special to share with family or friends.
My go-to way to enjoy this bread is warm, fresh from the oven, with a little spread of butter that melts right in. It’s also fantastic toasted the next day, especially with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a light dessert, this apple bread is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and a cozy feeling to your home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best here. They keep their shape and add a nice tart balance to the sweetness. If you don’t have these, Fuji or Pink Lady are good options too.
Cinnamon and Spices: Cinnamon is the star spice, but nutmeg and cloves add warmth. If you prefer, you can skip cloves or nutmeg or try pumpkin pie spice as a convenient mix.
Butter & Yogurt: Using softened butter helps make the bread tender and rich. Yogurt or sour cream adds moisture and slight tang. For a dairy-free swap, try coconut yogurt or a neutral oil with extra moisture.
Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth with its molasses notes, but you could use all granulated sugar or swap half for coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
How Can I Keep the Apple Pieces from Sinking in the Bread?
Apple chunks sometimes sink to the bottom when baking. To prevent this:
- Lightly toss the chopped apples in a small amount of flour before folding into the batter. This helps them stick to the batter better.
- Fold apples in gently to avoid breaking them up or creating too loose a batter.
- Keep the batter thick enough – avoid overmixing so it stays dense enough to hold the apples evenly.
I also like to use larger chunks for a nice texture contrast, but chopping a bit smaller can help if you want more even distribution.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – I like it because it gives the bread a nice shape and even baking.
- Mixing bowls – handy for whisking the dry ingredients and mixing the wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy.
- Rubber spatula – perfect for gently folding the apples into the batter without crushing them.
- Toothpick or cake tester – ensures your bread is baked through without overbaking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or berries for a different fruit twist, which adds a fresh, juicy bite.
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Swirl some caramel sauce into the batter before baking for an extra sweet and rich touch.
- Use maple or honey instead of sugar to add a different sweetness profile and a hint of natural flavor.
Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling
Time You’ll Need
This warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until combined well. This will ensure the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 3 to 4 minutes. This adds airiness to the bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Yogurt:
Add your dry mixture and yogurt alternately into the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined — be careful not to overmix or the bread might get tough.
6. Fold in the Apples:
Toss the chopped apples in lemon juice to prevent browning, then gently fold them into the batter, ensuring they are evenly spread without breaking them down.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve slices warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with a little butter if you like!
Can I Use Frozen Apples Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding into the batter to avoid making it too wet.
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To refresh, warm slices briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins make great additions. Just fold them in along with the apples for an extra layer of texture and flavor.