Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

There is something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. It feels like walking into a cozy kitchen on a crisp fall morning, with warmth in the air and comfort on the table. That is exactly what you get with this Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe. Unlike yeast breads that require kneading and rising, this is a quick bread. It comes together in minutes and rewards you with a moist, tender loaf filled with chunks of apple and swirls of cinnamon.

What makes this bread stand out is its balance of flavor and simplicity. The natural sweetness of apples blends with the spice of cinnamon, while a soft crumb makes each slice perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. It is the kind of recipe you can bake on a Sunday and enjoy all week. Pair it with coffee in the morning, serve it with a pat of butter in the afternoon, or enjoy it warm as a sweet treat after dinner.

What Makes Quick Bread Different

Quick Bread

A style of bread that skips yeast and instead relies on baking powder or baking soda to rise. It is faster to make, with no long proofing time, making it perfect for everyday baking.

Cinnamon

A spice made from the inner bark of trees, known for its sweet and warm flavor. In this recipe, cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of apples and creates that signature fall aroma.

Apples for Baking

Not all apples bake the same way. Firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Pink Lady hold their shape during baking, adding texture and bursts of flavor. Softer apples tend to break down too much, creating a mushy texture.

Cinnamon Swirl

A simple mixture of cinnamon and sugar that is swirled into the batter before baking. This creates sweet ribbons inside the loaf and adds a subtle crunch to the crust.

Benefits of Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

• Quick to prepare with no yeast and only basic pantry staples

• Moist texture thanks to fresh apples releasing juice during baking

• Warm and fragrant, filling the kitchen with a comforting aroma

• Flexible recipe that works with many apple varieties and add-ins

• Great for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge or freezer

• Perfect for gifting since it bakes beautifully into loaves or muffins

Ingredients Explained

Flour

All-purpose flour is ideal, creating a tender crumb without being too dense. You can substitute half with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Sugar

Granulated white sugar is traditional, but you can mix in brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Coconut sugar is another option for a less refined sweetness.

Baking Powder

The leavening agent that makes the bread rise. Always check that your baking powder is fresh, or the bread may turn out heavy.

Eggs

They bind the batter and add richness. For an egg-free option, use flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.

Milk

Adds moisture and softness. Any milk works—dairy or non-dairy—depending on your preference. Almond or oat milk make excellent alternatives.

Oil

Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist without altering flavor. You can also use canola oil, sunflower oil, or even melted butter for a richer taste.

Apples

The star of the recipe. Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith for the best texture. Dice them into small pieces so they spread evenly through the loaf.

Cinnamon

The spice that defines this recipe. It pairs beautifully with apples and creates that nostalgic fall flavor.

How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delivers bakery-quality results. You only need basic pantry staples, fresh apples, and about an hour from start to finish.

Step 1 Prepare the Apples

Peel and dice firm apples into small cubes. Leaving the skin on is optional but can add color and extra fiber. Aim for bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly in the loaf.

Step 2 Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly spread.

Step 3 Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and oil until smooth. This mixture adds richness and moisture to the bread.

Step 4 Combine and Fold

Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense. Fold in the diced apples at the end.

Step 5 Fill and Swirl

Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour in the batter, filling about two-thirds of the pan. If you want a cinnamon swirl, sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the batter, then gently swirl it in with a knife.

Step 6 Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, depending on your pan size. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7 Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice only when fully cooled to avoid crumbling.

Flavor Variations

One reason this recipe is so popular is that it adapts easily. Here are some creative variations:

• Add walnuts or pecans for crunch and earthy flavor

• Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for a tart-sweet twist

• Swap half the oil for unsweetened applesauce to lighten it up

• Add a vanilla or almond extract for an aromatic lift

• Top with a crumbly streusel of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon

• Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or salted caramel for a dessert-style bread

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store at room temperature for 2–3 days in a sealed bag or airtight container

• Refrigerate for up to 5–6 days to keep the loaf moist

• Freeze slices or whole loaves by wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing in freezer bags for up to 3 months

• Reheat slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore freshness

Nutrition and Baking Guide

Feature	Details
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	40–50 minutes
Total Time	50–60 minutes
Method	Baked
Cuisine	American
Course	Breakfast, snack, or dessert
Servings	10–12 slices per loaf
Calories (per slice)	~210 kcal
Macronutrients	34g carbs, 4g protein, 8g fat
Fiber	2g per slice
Best Apples	Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Pink Lady
Storage	Room temp 2–3 days, fridge 5–6 days, freezer 3 months
Reheating	Microwave 20–30 seconds or oven 300°F for 10 minutes
Variations	Nut bread, glazed bread, apple cranberry, apple walnut, streusel-topped

Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups milk (any kind)

• ⅔ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

• 1 cup diced firm apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn)

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional Swirl

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and oil until smooth.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

5. Fold in diced apples.

6. Pour batter into the loaf pan, filling about two-thirds full.

7. For a swirl, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top and use a knife to create a swirl pattern.

8. Bake for 40–50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice only when cooled.

Notes

• Use firm apples for the best texture and flavor.

• Do not overmix the batter or the bread may turn dense.

• For a lighter version, replace half the oil with applesauce.

• Add a glaze or streusel topping for a bakery-style finish.

• Freeze slices individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Nutritional Facts (per slice)

• Calories: ~210 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 8 g

• Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 30 mg

• Sodium: 220 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 18 g

• Vitamin A: 90 IU

• Vitamin C: 2 mg

• Calcium: 85 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40–50 minutes

• Total Time: 50–60 minutes

• Method: Baked

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 10–12 slices

• Yield: 1 loaf

Conclusion Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is the definition of comfort baking. With simple steps, pantry-friendly ingredients, and the irresistible combination of apples and cinnamon, it’s a recipe you will return to every fall. The bread is moist, fragrant, and endlessly versatile — whether enjoyed plain, topped with butter, or finished with a glaze. It stores and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for busy mornings or thoughtful gifts. Once you try it, this apple bread will become a tradition in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Can I freeze apple cinnamon bread

Yes. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, place in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.

What are the best apples for baking

Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Pink Lady hold their shape and add the best flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy free

Absolutely. Substitute almond, oat, or soy milk and use oil instead of butter.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf

Yes. Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

How do I keep the bread moist

Do not overbake. Store in an airtight container and add a slice of bread or apple inside to help retain moisture.