Welcome fall with the most irresistible Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread you’ll ever taste! This moist, tender quick bread is loaded with fresh chopped apples and features a gorgeous cinnamon sugar swirl that creates pockets of sweet, spiced goodness in every bite. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen is simply heavenly. What makes this apple bread recipe truly special is its incredibly moist texture—thanks to fresh apples and melted butter—and the beautiful marbled cinnamon swirl running through each slice. Whether you’re enjoying it warm for breakfast with your morning coffee, packing it as an afternoon snack, or serving it as a cozy dessert, this apple cinnamon bread delivers pure comfort in every slice. Best of all, it comes together with simple pantry ingredients in just 10 minutes of prep time!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Perfect fall flavor – fresh apples and warm cinnamon create the ultimate autumn comfort food
- Incredibly moist – stays soft and tender for days thanks to fresh apples and butter
- Beautiful cinnamon swirl – creates a gorgeous marbled effect and adds flavor throughout
- Simple ingredients – uses basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Versatile treat – perfect for breakfast, snacks, dessert, or gift-giving
If you love quick bread recipes, you’ll also want to try our Zucchini Bread and Honey Bun Cake.
Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread
Equipment
- 8×5-inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Butter knife (for swirling)
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar creates rich, caramel-like sweetness
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon warm aromatic spice
Apple Bread Batter
- 2 large eggs room temperature for best mixing
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar sweetens bread perfectly
- 1/2 cup butter melted – adds moisture and rich flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure vanilla recommended
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour creates perfect tender crumb
- 1 teaspoon baking powder helps bread rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ensures proper leavening
- 1/4 teaspoon salt balances sweetness
- 2 cups chopped apples Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp; peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Position rack in center of oven.
- Grease and flour an 8×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, or line with parchment paper for easiest removal.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined and slightly fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined—batter will be thick. Do not overmix or bread will be tough.
- Gently fold chopped apples into the batter until evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour half of the batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly with spatula.
- Sprinkle three-quarters of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer.
- Carefully spread remaining batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer, covering it completely.
- Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Use a butter knife to gently swirl through the batter in figure-8 motions, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for last 10-15 minutes.
- Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling completely ensures clean slices.
Notes
What You Need for Apple Cinnamon Bread
Essential Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Bread
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – creates rich, caramel-like sweetness
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – warm, aromatic spice that complements apples perfectly
For the Apple Bread:
- 2 large eggs, room temperature – provides structure and richness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the bread perfectly
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – adds moisture and rich flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – creates the perfect tender crumb
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the bread rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – ensures proper leavening
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 2 cups chopped apples – use Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp; peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven (5 minutes): Set temperature to 350°F. Position oven rack in center.
- Prepare the loaf pan (2 minutes): Grease and flour an 8×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, or line with parchment paper for easiest removal.
- Make cinnamon sugar (1 minute): In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Mixing the Apple Bread Batter
- Combine wet ingredients (3 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add butter and vanilla (1 minute): Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Add dry ingredients (2 minutes): Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined—batter will be thick. (Don’t overmix or bread will be tough.)
- Fold in apples (1 minute): Gently fold chopped apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl and Baking
- Layer the batter (2 minutes): Pour half of the batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Add cinnamon sugar (1 minute): Sprinkle three-quarters of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter layer.
- Top with remaining batter (2 minutes): Carefully spread remaining batter on top of cinnamon sugar layer.
- Create the swirl (1 minute): Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Use a butter knife to gently swirl through the batter in figure-8 motions. (Don’t overmix—you want distinct swirls.)
- Bake to perfection (35-45 minutes): Bake until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil for last 10-15 minutes.
- Cool completely (30 minutes): Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Expert Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Bread
- Use baking apples – Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith hold their shape and provide great flavor
- Room temperature eggs – blend more smoothly into the batter for better texture
- Don’t overmix – stir just until combined to keep the bread tender and moist
- Gentle swirling – use a light hand when creating the cinnamon swirl to maintain distinct layers
- Check doneness early – start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking
How to Store and Serve Apple Cinnamon Bread
Storage: Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the cinnamon develops!
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Serving suggestions: Enjoy warm with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Toast slices lightly for extra texture. Perfect with hot coffee, apple cider, or chai tea!
Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe Variations You’ll Love
- Nutty Apple Bread – fold 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch
- Glazed Apple Bread – drizzle with simple glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk)
- Apple Pear Bread – use 1 cup apples and 1 cup chopped pears for variety
- Vegan Apple Bread – use 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water) and plant-based butter
For more delicious quick bread recipes, check out our Jalapeño Cheddar Bread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Bread
What are the best apples for baking apple bread?
Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking. They hold their shape well, don’t turn mushy, and provide great flavor. Avoid Red Delicious or McIntosh as they become too soft when baked.
Why is my apple bread too dry?
Overbaking or overmixing are the main causes of dry bread. Check for doneness at 35 minutes, and mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Also ensure you’re measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping.
Can I make this apple bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Make it 1-2 days ahead and store at room temperature. It’s perfect for meal prep or gift-giving.
How do I keep the cinnamon swirl from sinking?
Layer the batter and cinnamon sugar carefully, and use gentle swirling motions with a knife. Don’t overmix or the swirl will disappear into the batter. The thick batter helps suspend the swirl.
Final Thoughts on This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
This Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread is everything you want in a fall baking recipe—moist, flavorful, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of fresh apples and warm cinnamon creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home, while the gorgeous swirled interior makes every slice beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, snacking, or gifting to friends and neighbors, this apple bread delivers every time. With simple ingredients and foolproof instructions, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again throughout apple season. Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest boards and follow us on Pinterest for more amazing fall baking recipes!