As the first chill of autumn settles in, there’s something magical about the scent of Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread filling my kitchen. This comforting loaf marries the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples with a cozy blend of warm spices, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for beginner bakers. With just 20 minutes of prep, it strikes the ideal balance between ease and flavor, making it perfect for those busy mornings or lazy afternoons. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or sharing it with loved ones during a gathering, this bread promises to warm hearts and homes alike. Ready to see how easy it is to create this fall classic? Let’s dive into the recipe and embrace the season!
Why is This Recipe a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: This Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread requires only basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making it a perfect entry for novice bakers.
Irresistible Aroma: The warm scent of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that beckons everyone to gather around.
Comforting Flavor: The contrast of tart Granny Smith apples and warm spices delivers that quintessential fall flavor, making it ideal for any autumn occasion.
Versatile Variations: Customize with different apple types or add nuts for extra crunch; you can even swap in a cream cheese glaze for a delightful twist!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or gifting to friends, this delicious loaf is sure to be a hit with everyone. For more cozy recipes, check out my Apple Cobbler Buttery and Alfredo Monkey Bread ideas!
Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread to life!
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the bread, ensuring a tender crumb; substitute with gluten-free flour for a nut-free option.
- Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent for the perfect rise and light texture.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
- Ground cinnamon – The primary spice delivering warmth and that unmistakable cozy aroma.
- Ground nutmeg – Adds earthy sweetness, deepening the spice profile.
- Ground cloves – Offers aromatic complexity, beautifully complementing the cinnamon.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture, keeping the bread irresistibly tender.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and contributes to achieving a fluffy texture.
- Large eggs – Binds ingredients together, providing essential structure; use flax eggs for a vegan version.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor, imparting a lovely warm, sweet note.
- Sour cream – Contributes moisture and a slight tang; plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as alternatives.
- Fresh Granny Smith apples – Offers crispness and natural sweetness; other varieties like Honeycrisp can be used for a sweeter taste.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – Adds a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor; omit for a nut-free bread.
- Turbinado sugar (for topping) – Enhances texture with a delightful crunch; brown sugar makes a great alternative.
Feel free to gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake this warm, comforting fall treat!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for your Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread. While the oven warms, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will help the bread rise beautifully without tearing when removed from the pan.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ensure no lumps remain, as this helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout your Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will add air and create a tender texture for your bread. The mixture should appear pale and creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs to the creamed butter and sugar one at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a smooth consistency. Then, blend in the vanilla extract. This will enhance the flavors of your Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread, creating a warm and inviting aroma as you mix.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients for the best texture. Mix on low speed until just combined; overmixing can make the bread tough, so be gentle to keep it tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold the finely chopped Granny Smith apples and optional nuts into the batter using a spatula. Ensure the apple pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter, creating pockets of sweetness in the final loaf. This step brings the warm, cozy flavors to the forefront of your Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread.
Step 7: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake. Before placing it in the oven, sprinkle a generous layer of turbinado sugar over the top to create a delightful, crunchy crust. This will enhance the visual appeal and texture of your Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the bread in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples, signaling that it’s almost time to enjoy your creation.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain the bread’s tender crumb while allowing you to slice it easily later.
Expert Tips for Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
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Choose the Right Apples: Fresh Granny Smith apples are best for striking the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Avoid overripe apples, which may lead to mushy texture.
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Mind Your Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, especially after adding the dry ingredients. This can cause your Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread to become dense instead of light and fluffy.
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Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test towards the end of baking to ensure it’s cooked through. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, give it more time, but avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
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Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a short time before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents tearing and helps maintain moisture.
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Store Right: For the freshest taste, store your finished Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Make Ahead Options
These warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread loaves are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy cozy comforts on busy days! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, keeping the flavors fresh and the bread just as delicious. Simply mix all the wet and dry ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers; this prevents browning and maintains the quality of your apples. When you’re ready to bake, just combine them, pour into your prepared loaf pan, and bake as directed. This way, you can savor the aroma of freshly baked bread without the hassle of preparing it last minute!
Storage Tips for Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
Room Temperature: Store slices in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist while preventing it from becoming soggy.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer storage option, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying a slice of your delicious Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread.
Reheating: For a cozy treat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness.
What to Serve with Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
As the delightful aroma of this warm loaf wafts through your kitchen, imagine the comforting trio of flavors waiting to accompany it on your table.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery, they provide a savory balance to the sweet apple bread, making for a satisfying contrast of flavors.
- Warm Vanilla Custard: Pour this gentle custard atop slices for a sumptuous, creamy pairing that enhances every bite and adds warmth to your dessert.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their sweet-savory profile harmonizes beautifully with the cinnamon spices, offering a fresh, crisp complement to finish your meal on a light note.
- Spiced Chai Latte: Sip on this cozy drink, rich in spices that echo those found in the bread, creating a unified, comforting experience with every bite and sip.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle this over a slice for added crunch and texture, elevating your experience with delightful bites of crunch that contrast soft apple bread.
- Homemade Applesauce: A dollop of this tangy-sweet sauce adds an extra layer of apple flavor, deepening your enjoyment of each delicious slice.
- Maple Pecan Cake: Indulge in a slice of this cake for a sweet dessert that echoes the autumnal warmth of the cinnamon-spiced apple bread, while delighting the tastebuds.
- Cinnamon Tea: Steeped with delicate spices, this fragrant tea brings a comforting finish to your meal, enhancing the cozy vibes of your delightful gathering.
Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe and make it your own!
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Different Apple Varieties: Substitute Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor profile. Each type of apple brings its unique sweetness to the bread, allowing you to play with flavors.
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Nut-Free Option: Omit the chopped walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version. This keeps the bread accessible for those with nut allergies while still maintaining a lovely texture.
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Glaze It Up: Drizzle or spread a cream cheese glaze over the cooled bread for a decadent twist. The creamy sweetness complements the spiced apple flavor beautifully and makes it even more inviting.
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Add a Zesty Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to brighten the flavors. The zest adds a refreshing lift, making your bread stand out during cozy gatherings.
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Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier, nutty flavor and added fiber. This modification offers a nutritious twist without compromising on taste.
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Spice It Up: Enhance the spices by adding a pinch of ground ginger or an extra dash of cinnamon for a stronger flavor. Just a little adjustment can elevate the comforting aroma and taste.
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Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and a vegan yogurt alternative instead of sour cream for a dairy-free delight. With these simple swaps, everyone can enjoy this comforting bread.
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Double Your Recipe: Bake two loaves at once to share with family and friends or to freeze one for later. Trust me, you’ll want a backup on hand to savor those familiar autumn vibes whenever you crave!
Looking to explore more delicious ideas? Consider making a batch of Apple Crumble Cupcakes or indulge in a warm slice alongside a bowl of comforting Pecan Pie Bread Pudding for a complete fall experience!
Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Fresh Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the bread beautifully. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you might enjoy substituting them with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Just be sure to avoid overripe apples, as they can lead to a mushy texture.
How should I store my Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread?
To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method maintains its moisture without making it soggy. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture!
Can I freeze Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread?
Yes, indeed! Wrap your cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, you’ll have delicious homemade bread ready to delight on a chilly day!
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
If your Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread turns out denser than you’d like, it might have been overmixed or used too much flour. To avoid this, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones and stop mixing as soon as it’s combined. Be sure to measure flour accurately—using a spoon to fluff it up before scooping can help prevent this issue.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
Very! This Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread can be made nut-free by simply omitting the optional walnuts or pecans. Just make sure to use clean equipment and check your ingredient labels to avoid accidental contamination. It’s perfect for accommodating various dietary needs!
How can I enhance the flavor of my bread?
For an indulgent twist, consider drizzling a cream cheese glaze over your warm slices, or try adding a sprinkle of raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness. The more, the merrier! You could also adjust the spices based on your personal preference—more cinnamon or a hint of cardamom can add a unique twist!
Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Recipe FAQs
Delicious Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread for Cozy Fall Days
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, and then blend in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with sour cream; mix until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples and optional nuts gently using a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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