If there’s ever a recipe to fill your kitchen with cozy, inviting aromas, it’s Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread. This moist, fruit-studded loaf features melt-in-your-mouth apple chunks, a delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a tender crumb you’ll want to savor, slice after slice. Whether you’re prepping breakfast with a hot mug of coffee, planning for a festive fall brunch, or simply craving an afternoon treat, this quick bread makes every bite feel like a little celebration of autumn’s best flavors.

Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread is found in its humble, simple ingredients. Each one plays an important part, working together to create a loaf that’s soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Here’s what you’ll need—and why:

All-purpose flour: The reliable foundation of your bread, giving it structure and a tender bite.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, so you get a light loaf instead of a dense one.
Baking soda: Adds a little extra lift and balances the acidity from the sour cream and apples.
Salt: Just the right pinch makes the sweetness and spice sing.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, providing that classic warmth and aroma.
Ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and coziness, enhancing the apple-cinnamon combination.
Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and helps the bread stay moist for days.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and gives it a soft, delicate crumb.
Brown sugar (packed): Deepens the flavor with a touch of molasses, making every bite more interesting.
Large eggs: Bind the bread together and contribute to that beautiful golden color.
Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt): Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances all the sweet notes.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with an aromatic, cozy finish.
Apples, peeled and chopped: The juicy, sweet heart of the bread—choose your favorite firm variety.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): A nutty crunch for those who love texture.
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl (sugar + cinnamon): Swirled throughout and sprinkled on top, this is what gives Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread its irresistible cinnamon-streaked appeal.

How to Make Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting later. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures a picture-perfect loaf every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking helps distribute the baking agents and spices evenly throughout, so every bite of your Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread tastes just right.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for creating a soft, tender crumb, so take your time to get that lovely, whipped texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and subtle flavor, giving a creamy base for the batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Don’t overmix—just stir until there are no visible streaks of flour. Overmixing leads to tough bread, and we’re all about that soft, delicate crumb here!

Step 6: Stir in Apples and Nuts

Fold in the chopped apples and, if you like, a handful of nuts. The apples add juicy bursts of sweetness, while the nuts give a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the bread’s softness.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out. Sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add the rest of the batter and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. This two-layer approach creates that signature swirl in Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread—both beautiful and delicious.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Waiting is tough, but it’s worth it: the flavors deepen as it cools.

How to Serve Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a generous pat of softened butter, a drizzle of honey, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra touch of autumn, sprinkle a few toasted chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon right before serving.

Side Dishes

Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread pairs beautifully with thick Greek yogurt, creamy vanilla ice cream, or a scoop of applesauce. It’s also fantastic alongside a warm mug of coffee, spiced chai, or classic hot apple cider for the ultimate fall treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cube slices for brunch platters, serve toasted with whipped cream cheese for breakfast, or layer slices with caramelized apples and whipped cream for an indulgent dessert trifle. For a holiday brunch, cut the loaf into finger sandwiches with a smear of apple butter between two thin slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread soft and fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay moist for up to 3 days at room temperature—just keep it away from direct sunlight or heat.

Freezing

For longer storage, Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread freezes like a dream. Wrap the completely cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or tuck into a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you prefer it warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or toast lightly to revive that fresh-baked feel. This brings back a bit of the original just-out-of-the-oven fragrance and flavor!

FAQs

What are the best apples for Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work perfectly—they hold their shape well and have enough tartness or sweetness to keep the bread balanced and flavorful.

Can I make Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and keep an eye on texture as gluten-free batters may thicken differently.

Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and substitute plain dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream. The flavor and texture will still be wonderful—just be mindful of your vanilla extract, as some can contain allergens.

How do I prevent my apples from sinking during baking?

Toss the apple chunks with a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly, so you get juicy apple pieces from the top to the bottom of your Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread.

Can I add a glaze or icing?

Definitely! A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the top adds extra sweetness and a touch of elegance. Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk or cream and a splash of vanilla, then drizzle as desired.

Final Thoughts

If there’s a recipe to make you fall in love with homemade baking, it’s Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread. It’s easy, fragrant, and always a hit—warm out of the oven or toasted the next day. Give it a try and share a loaf with friends or family; the only thing better than baking it is sharing the delicious results!