If you are craving a soft, flavorful treat that captures the essence of cozy autumn days, this Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Moist and tender, with juicy chunks of apple and ribbons of cinnamon sugar weaving through every bite, this bread is a celebration of comfort and home-baked goodness. Whether you serve it for breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a soothing afternoon snack alongside your favorite hot beverage, it never fails to bring smiles and warm the heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

This recipe relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully to create a loaf bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the soft apples that add moisture and sweetness to the warm spices that give the bread its signature cozy aroma and taste.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender and moist bread.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
½ tsp baking soda: Works with sour cream to create a lighter texture.
½ tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Injects warm, spicy flavor essential for that classic fall feeling.
¼ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, fragrant depth to the spice profile.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the crumb rich and tender.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread perfectly without overpowering.
¼ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a hint of molasses-like warmth and moisture.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness.
½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt): Keeps the bread moist while adding a tender crumb.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors deliciously.
1 ½ cups apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples): The star ingredient, giving juicy chunks and natural sweetness.
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl (¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon, mixed): Creates irresistible pockets of sweet spice throughout.

How to Make Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare 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 an easy release. Taking care here ensures your bread bakes evenly and comes out clean every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining the dry ingredients first helps spread the spices and leavening agents evenly throughout the bread, so every bite has consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which results in a wonderfully tender and airy bread crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain the emulsion. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and luscious. This mixture contributes moisture and helps develop the perfect soft texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the bread light and fluffy, avoiding any toughness.

Step 6: Add Apples and Nuts

Stir in the chopped apples and nuts if you’re using them. The apples give bursts of juicy sweetness, while the nuts provide a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Step 7: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it, then top with the remaining batter. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. This layering gives every slice that beautiful swirled appearance and delicious pockets of cinnamon sweetness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bread for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it toward the end. Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cool-down helps the bread set for clean slicing.

How to Serve Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

The image shows a sliced loaf of apple cinnamon bread on a wooden board with a red and white checkered cloth in the background. The loaf has a golden brown crust with visible darker cinnamon swirls. The inside of the bread is light brown with chunks of pale white apple pieces spread throughout. There are four slices cut from the loaf, each showing the soft, moist texture with embedded apple bits and cinnamon streaks. A red apple is placed on the upper right side, and a green apple is at the bottom left corner of the wooden board. The overall scene has a cozy, homemade feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey or maple syrup makes a lovely finishing touch. For an extra indulgent treat, a spread of softened butter or cream cheese complements the spices and apples beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal companion for a lazy morning or afternoon break. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for balance and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread and serve it as small finger sandwiches with a sliver of cheddar or brie cheese for a sophisticated twist. Alternatively, toast a slice lightly and top with a smear of nut butter and thin apple slices for a playful, seasonal snack that will impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to three days this way. Refrigeration can extend freshness to about a week but may slightly dry the bread, so bring it to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

This Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly with plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.

Reheating

For the freshest flavor, thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a couple of hours. Warm individual slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to enjoy the bread with that freshly baked flavor and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this bread?

Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples are great choices as they hold their shape well during baking, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that softer apples might break down more and create a wetter crumb.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I omit the nuts?

Definitely! Nuts add a nice crunch, but leaving them out will not affect the overall success of the bread. It will still be moist, flavorful, and perfect.

How long can I store the bread at room temperature?

When kept in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh and tasty for up to three days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration is recommended to maintain quality.

Can I turn this bread into muffins?

Yes! Pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups and adjust baking time to about 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This is a great way to create portable, individual treats.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is one of those comforting, universally loved treats that feels like a warm hug. It’s straightforward to make but delivers impressive flavor and texture every time. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this bread is bound to become a repeat favorite. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the cozy, delicious moments it brings to your table.