This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Bread is a comforting, moist, and sweet quick bread that perfectly blends the warm spice of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples. With its tender crumb, crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, and delicious apple flavor in every bite, this bread is ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Simple to make yet rich in taste, it’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal apples all year round.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Mix in sour cream until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
- Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture, then add remaining batter and top with the rest of the mixture. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
Servings
Makes about 10–12 slices.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 230
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Notes
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweet cinnamon sugar topping. This bread stays moist for days and can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It also freezes well—just wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
Tips
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans enhances both texture and flavor. Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread soft and tender. Always let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Health Benefits
Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Apples are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support digestion and boost immunity. Using yogurt or sour cream adds probiotics and protein, while swapping some sugar with natural sweeteners like honey can reduce refined sugar intake. Enjoying this bread in moderation can be a tasty way to incorporate fruit and spices into your diet.
Q & A
Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: Yes, vegetable oil or coconut oil can replace butter for a slightly different texture but the same moistness.
Q: Which apples work best?
A: Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness, but any firm apple will work.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.
Q: How long does it stay fresh?
A: The bread stays fresh for 3–4 days at room temperature or up to 3 months when frozen.
Q: Can I turn this into muffins?
A: Absolutely. Divide batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes at the same temperature.