Name: Apple Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups white granulated sugar; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 2 cups milk; ⅔ cup vegetable oil; 1 cup apples (diced and peeled); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ⅔ cup white granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

When you bite into a homemade loaf of Apple Bread, it’s hard not to think of crisp fall mornings and the comforting scent of apples and cinnamon wafting from the oven. This cozy quick bread balances sweet, soft, apple-packed interiors with a beautiful cinnamon sugar swirl on top, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. With simple pantry ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe proves that you don’t need fancy techniques to create something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Apple Bread brings something wonderful to the table. From the juicy sweetness of apples to the warm spice of cinnamon, these everyday ingredients work in harmony to guarantee delicious results you’ll want to share with everyone.

Sugar: Provides sweetness and keeps the bread moist throughout.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your loaf, giving structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures a light rise so your bread turns out fluffy, not dense.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Helps bind the loaf together and adds just the right amount of richness.
Milk: Delivers moisture and keeps the crumb soft and luscious.
Vegetable oil: Contributes a subtle flavor while making the bread delightfully tender.
Apples, peeled and diced: The star ingredient infuses the loaf with juicy, fruity bursts.
Ground cinnamon: Warms up every bite and pairs perfectly with apples.
Additional sugar and cinnamon: Sprinkled and swirled on top for a lovely crust and extra flavor.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This helps the loaf rise evenly right from the start. Don’t forget to generously grease your loaf pans—this little step guarantees a golden crust and easy removal when your Apple Bread is done baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Get a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Giving the dry ingredients a good whisk not only distributes the leavening agents evenly but also breaks up any small clumps for a smoother batter later on.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer bowl, or a large bowl if using a hand mixer or whisk, beat together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until just combined. This quick mixing step marries the wet components and sets the stage for a perfectly tender loaf.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, mixing just until everything is moistened—over-mixing can result in dense bread, so go easy. Gently fold in your diced apples and a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This is when the magic starts, as you’ll see specks of apples and cinnamon blend into the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Loaf Pans

Pour your batter into the greased loaf pans, filling them to about two-thirds full. This leaves space for the Apple Bread to rise beautifully in the oven, without spilling over the edges.

Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together 2/3 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Spoon this mixture over the batter in each loaf pan, then use a knife to gently swirl it in. This little swirl forms a delectable, fragrant crust and adds an eye-catching visual touch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pans into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible! Check the loaves by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean, signaling your Apple Bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

A finishing touch goes a long way! Try dusting your Apple Bread slices with a little powdered sugar, or add a pat of butter while it’s still warm. If you’re celebrating or feeling fancy, a drizzle of simple icing or even a small dollop of whipped cream can really make each slice pop.

Side Dishes

This sweet bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a simple breakfast. For brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a bowl of yogurt with fresh fruit. The cozy apple and spice flavors are versatile enough to intertwine with both savory and sweet elements seamlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, slice your Apple Bread thick, toast it, and spread with a layer of cream cheese or caramel sauce. It also makes a fabulous base for bread pudding, French toast, or trifles. Stack slices on a rustic board with extra apples and cinnamon sticks for an autumn-inspired centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Apple Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days—just make sure it’s sealed well to preserve freshness and softness. The flavors deepen over time, making day-old slices just as delicious.

Freezing

This Apple Bread freezes beautifully. Slice the loaf, then wrap individual pieces (or the whole loaf) in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months—perfect for stashing away a treat for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or toast them for crispy edges. If reheating from frozen, let the bread thaw at room temperature first for best texture and flavor. A quick reheat brings those cozy apple and cinnamon aromas right back to life!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this bread?

Absolutely! Any firm baking apple, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, will work well. Mix and match your favorites for subtle shifts in sweetness and texture in your Apple Bread.

Can I make this Apple Bread recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the milk for your preferred non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk. The flavor remains delicious and the crumb stays just as soft and moist.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Of course! Feel free to fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins to the batter along with the apples. These extra add-ins make each bite more interesting and hearty.

Why did my Apple Bread turn out dense?

Dense bread is often the result of over-mixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to mix just until the ingredients come together and double-check you’re measuring everything with care.

How do I know when the bread is finished baking?

The surest way to test is the classic toothpick method: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your Apple Bread is ready to come out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

Baking Apple Bread at home is truly one of life’s little pleasures: every loaf is just bursting with bright apple flavor and warm cinnamon in every bite. Give it a try—even if you’re new to baking, you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this recipe is. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll have a perfect slice ready for any occasion!

Apple Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Bread recipe is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a hint of cinnamon in a moist, delicious loaf. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack!

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease loaf pans.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat eggs, milk, and oil until combined.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add dry mixture to wet until just moist. Fold in diced apples and cinnamon.
Fill pans and add topping: Pour mixture into loaf pans, filling ⅔ full. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then swirl on top of each loaf.
Bake: Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American