This apple-cinnamon bread is the ultimate fall treat that combines the sweet, fruity flavor of apples with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast indulgence, a snack, or a dessert, this moist and flavorful loaf will bring cozy vibes to your kitchen. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a mouthwatering, fragrant loaf with every bite. Topped with a delicious cinnamon-sugar crunch, it’s a bread that will quickly become a fall favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps create a light texture in the bread. - Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix. - Add Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans. The apples will add moisture and flavor to the bread, making it extra tender. - Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. - Assemble the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter for a sweet, crunchy finish. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as a delicious treat with a cup of tea or coffee.