Apple Cinnamon Bread

Apple Cinnamon Bread

Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Bread is a warm and comforting quick bread that celebrates the classic pairing of apples and cinnamon.

This loaf is soft and tender, with chunks of juicy apples nestled in a batter that’s spiced with cinnamon and lightly sweetened.

Topped with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, it bakes to a golden brown crust that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, especially during apple season. It’s easy to make and fills your home with an inviting aroma as it bakes.

Whether you enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or with a drizzle of glaze, this Apple Cinnamon Bread is sure to become a family favorite, bringing cozy fall flavors to your table.

Ingredients

To make this Apple Cinnamon Bread, gather the following ingredients:

For the Bread:

2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted

1 cup of granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup of buttermilk (or regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added, left to sit for 5 minutes)

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

2 cups of diced apples (use a crisp variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash, peel, and core the apples. Dice them into small pieces, about 1/2-inch in size, and set them aside.
2. For a richer apple flavor, you can toss the apples with a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of sugar, but this is optional.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and sugar. Whisk together until smooth and slightly creamy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the bread dense.
2. Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
2. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
3. Pour the remaining batter into the pan, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

1. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
2. When done, the bread should be golden brown, and the edges will have pulled slightly away from the pan.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the loaf pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the bread, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. For an extra touch, you can dust the top with additional cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar before serving.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Bread is a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple in a soft, moist loaf.

The tender crumb and sweet, crunchy topping make each slice of this bread a satisfying experience.

Perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea, it’s a comforting treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

This bread also freezes well, so you can bake an extra loaf to enjoy later. Share it with friends and family, or enjoy it yourself as a reminder of the comforting flavors of fall.