Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: Approximately 320 per slice

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• 2 cups peeled and diced Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples

Cinnamon Swirl

• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by the milk and sour cream.

Mix gently, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.

Fold in the diced apples using a spatula.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.

Add the remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.

Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Serve

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy with butter, cream cheese, or a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Bread

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
• Dice the apples into small, even pieces for consistent baking.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Store overnight for even deeper cinnamon flavor.
• Use fresh cinnamon for the richest aroma.

Delicious Variations

Caramel Apple Bread

Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled loaf instead of vanilla glaze.

Apple Walnut Bread

Fold ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts into the batter.

Apple Cranberry Bread

Add ½ cup dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.

Streusel Apple Bread

Top the loaf with a buttery cinnamon streusel before baking.

Maple Apple Bread

Replace the vanilla glaze with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and pure maple syrup.

Apple Pecan Bread

Mix chopped pecans into the batter and sprinkle more on top before baking.

Storage

Store Apple Cinnamon Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freeze the whole loaf or individual slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Cinnamon Bread pairs perfectly with:

• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Apple butter
• Honey
• Vanilla glaze
• Hot coffee
• Chai tea
• Hot apple cider
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 8% DV
• Potassium: 180mg