As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than the scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through your home. This Cinnamon Apple Bread is the ideal way to embrace the flavors of fall. It’s a moist, flavorful loaf that’s packed with juicy apple chunks and swirled with cinnamon sugar, making it a delicious treat for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this easy-to-make bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup
- Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Sweetens the loaf while creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Large eggs: 2
- Provide structure and stability to the bread.
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Helps create a tender crumb and balances the flavors.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Forms the base of the bread, giving it the necessary structure.
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise.
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Works alongside the baking powder to ensure a perfect rise.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Apple, peeled and chopped: 1 1/2 cups (about 2 medium apples)
- Provides natural sweetness and moisture, with a touch of tartness.
- Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Used for the cinnamon swirl, adding a delightful sweetness.
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Adds a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and is easy to remove after baking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft texture in the bread. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring that your bread rises properly.
4. Combine and Fold:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Create the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add the remaining batter on top, and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
6. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once the bread is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this delicious Cinnamon Apple Bread on its own, or with a spread of butter for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Bread:
- Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold up well during baking and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Don’t Overmix: To avoid a dense loaf, mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, leading to a tough texture.
- Swirl It Right: For a more pronounced swirl, use a knife to create big swirls after adding the cinnamon sugar. This will give your bread a beautiful marbled effect that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Conclusion:
This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a simple and comforting loaf. The combination of juicy apples and warm cinnamon makes this bread a perfect treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, comforting taste of homemade Cinnamon Apple Bread!