This apple cinnamon bread is moist and tender, with a hidden middle layer of apples and cinnamon sugar and a crisp, crunchy cinnamon-sugar top. It’s delicious warm from the oven and fills the house with an irresistible aroma while baking.
It’s a fun recipe to make with kids — there are simple steps for mixing and layering the batter and apples, so little helpers can join in measuring, stirring, and assembling the loaf.
How to Make the Apple Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a standard loaf pan and line the bottom and long sides with parchment paper, leaving a small overhang. This prevents sticking and makes the loaf easy to lift out.
Peel and dice your apples into small pieces. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon and set the mixture aside.
In a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add the dry ingredients and mix just until they begin to come together, then add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Scatter half of the diced apples over the batter, then sprinkle half of the brown sugar–cinnamon mixture on top. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently press the apples and sugar into the batter.
Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar. Finish by spreading the last layer of batter, then the remaining apples and brown sugar mixture on top so the loaf bakes with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping.
Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing the Bread
This bread is at its best the day it’s baked. To store, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. Note that after the first day the crunchy top will soften and lose its crisp texture.
What Type of Apples Should I Use?
You can use any apple variety you like. Unlike some pies or crisps that rely on baking apples to hold shape, this recipe works well with both baking and eating apples because the diced pieces are distributed throughout the batter and don’t need to keep their structure. I’ve made it with tart and sweet apples with equally good results.
Bake this loaf on your own or with kids — either way, it’s a comforting treat that’s hard to resist.
If you make this bread, tag me on Instagram @jessiebakestreats and leave a review below — I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
You Might Also Enjoy
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Cinnamon Swirl Buttermilk Loaf
- Apple Crisp Danishes
Apple Cinnamon Bread
Jessie M
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 C apples, cut into small pieces about 1 large apple
- 1/2 C brown sugar
- 1 & 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 C butter at room temperature
- 2/3 C white sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 & 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 & 1/2 C all-purpose flour
- 1 & 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 C milk
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
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Peel and dice the apple into small pieces; set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
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In a mixer (or by hand), beat the butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
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Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
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Add the flour and baking powder and stir briefly, then add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
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Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
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Spread half the apples over the batter and press them down gently, then sprinkle half the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture on top.
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Top with the remaining batter, then the remaining apples and brown sugar mixture.
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Bake 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Enjoy!