If there’s one homemade treat that instantly fills the kitchen with pure cozy joy, it’s this Cinnamon Apple Bread. Each slice is a celebration—tender, buttery bread layered with sweet apples, a ribbon of cinnamon sugar, and finished with a dreamy glaze that brings the whole loaf together. Whether you want to perk up your morning coffee or impress your friends at brunch, this recipe captures everything wonderful about fall baking in one beautiful loaf.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cinnamon Apple Bread is in how humble ingredients like apples, cinnamon, and butter can transform into something so heavenly. Each component plays its part in creating irresistible flavor, moisture, and that gorgeous cinnamon swirl.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of a tender crumb and a tried-and-true choice for consistent results.
Baking powder: Adds the perfect rise for a bakery-style loaf.
Salt: Just a dash wakes up all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Gives the bread its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s softened!
Granulated sugar: For that classic, sweet bread flavor and an even crumb.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm note that ties together apples and cinnamon beautifully.
Large eggs: Provide structure and help the loaf hold together slice after slice.
Milk: Keeps the bread moist and helps everything blend smoothly.
Light brown sugar: Sweet and slightly caramel-y, this feeds into the cinnamon apple swirl.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice! It turns the bread into pure comfort food.
Large apple: Peeled, cored, and chopped small for juicy bites in every slice; any variety you love will work.
Confectioners’ sugar: For a lusciously sweet, smooth glaze.
Water: Just enough to make the glaze drizzle-perfect.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Give your 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan a generous layer of nonstick spray and a dusting of flour, or line it with a parchment paper sling for easy removal later. Measure out all your ingredients so everything’s at your fingertips. Chop your apple into small bits so you’ll get bursts of fruit in every bite!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures an even texture throughout your Cinnamon Apple Bread, preventing clumps of flour or uneven rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and that splash of vanilla on medium-high until it looks pale, fluffy, and so tempting you’ll want to sneak a taste—about 3 to 4 minutes. This is what creates the light, tender crumb you’ll love in each slice.

Step 4: Add Eggs for Structure

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, letting each blend in fully before adding the next. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides (and bottom!) of your bowl so everything stays creamy and cohesive. Eggs are the secret to a bread that slices neatly without crumbling.

Step 5: Alternate Flour and Milk

With your mixer on low, add half the dry mixture, then half the milk. Repeat with the remaining flour mix and milk. Alternating helps prevent overmixing, resulting in a loaf that’s tender, not tough. The batter should be thick, rich, and scoopable.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Apple Mixture

Toss your diced apple with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This spiced apple mixture swirls into the batter, creating those irresistible pockets of gooey, cinnamon-laced fruit.

Step 7: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Top with half the apple-cinnamon mixture, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter—don’t overdo it, a visible ribbon through the center is what you’re after! Repeat with the remaining batter and apples for a gorgeous marbled effect.

Step 8: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Mix together a little more brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the top for a caramelized, crackly crown that’s reminiscent of your favorite bakery treats.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center; it’s ready when only a few moist crumbs (and maybe a little soft apple) cling to it. The aroma is your sign that fall has officially arrived!

Step 10: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes. While it’s cooling, whisk up the glaze with confectioners’ sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and just enough water to create a pourable consistency. Carefully lift the Cinnamon Apple Bread from the pan and set it on a rack, then drizzle the glaze over the warm loaf and let it finish cooling before slicing.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Garnishes

Elevate each slice of your Cinnamon Apple Bread with a little extra love—a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of more cinnamon, or even thin apple slices on top. For a real treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a big mug of coffee, hot tea, or autumn-spiced cider. For breakfast, serve with Greek yogurt and a handful of toasted walnuts. It’s also lovely as part of a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this loaf into an edible gift by wrapping slices in parchment or presenting the whole bread (glaze and all!) in a simple bakery box. For potlucks, slice and serve on a platter fanned out with more cinnamon glaze for drizzling. Or make mini loaves to share with friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Apple Bread as fresh as possible, store it covered on the countertop for 2 to 3 days. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to lock in the moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this bread! Once the loaf is completely cool (and before adding glaze for best texture), wrap it tightly in plastic and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Cinnamon Apple Bread, thaw it at room temperature, then warm slices gently in the microwave for that “just baked” feel. Add the cinnamon glaze fresh for best results, or even toast individual slices for a cozy breakfast treat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Any apple you enjoy eating—whether tart Granny Smith, crisp Gala, or sweet Fuji—will taste wonderful in this recipe, and each will offer a unique sweetness and texture.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Check with a toothpick or cake tester in the center of the loaf; it should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs, since the apples keep the bread nice and soft inside. If needed, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Bread gluten free?

You can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check the texture—the batter should be thick but not dry. Some blends may need an extra splash of milk.

What’s the secret to a pretty swirl?

For beautiful swirls, gently run a knife or skewer through the batter after adding the apple mixture. Don’t mix too much—you want thick, visible ribbons of cinnamon apple goodness.

Is the glaze necessary?

While the cinnamon glaze adds a sweet, spiced finish, the bread is still delicious without it. If you’d like a lighter option, dust with a bit of powdered sugar instead.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about slicing into a tender loaf of Cinnamon Apple Bread and seeing those gorgeous apple and cinnamon swirls. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with people you love. Trust me, one slice and you’ll want to make it again and again!