Soft & Sweet Apple Cinnamon Bread for Cozy Days
Soft, sweet, and impossibly comforting, this apple cinnamon bread feels like a hug in loaf form.
Tender apples and fragrant cinnamon make every bite cozy and nostalgic, while the lightly golden crust adds just the right amount of texture.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or just sneaking a slice while it’s still warm, this bread is pure homemade magic.
Meet apple cinnamon bread.
It’s sweet but not overwhelming, soft but sturdy, and filled with cozy cinnamon swirls and tender apple chunks.
Bonus: it makes your kitchen smell like a bakery on steroids, without all the kneading drama.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional, but adds cozy vibes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- Optional topping: cinnamon sugar or a simple glaze
Instructions
- Preheat & prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if you want that “lift-out” convenience.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Combine wet & dry: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix; just combine until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing = dense bread, and we’re here for fluffy goodness.
- Add apples: Gently fold in chopped apples. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every slice gets a little fruity love.
- Pour & bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle cinnamon sugar if desired. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice when slightly cooled for clean cuts.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This recipe is stupidly easy yet delivers bakery-level results.
Even if your last attempt at baking was… let’s say “experimental,” this loaf forgives all past mistakes.
I once made it while juggling emails and a Zoom call, and it still turned out perfectly golden with tender crumbs.
Basically, it’s the ultimate comfort food in loaf form, and it’s practically impossible to mess up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds cozy vibes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- Optional topping: cinnamon sugar or a simple glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if you want that “lift-out” convenience.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Combine wet & dry: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix; just combine until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing = dense bread, and we’re here for fluffy goodness.
- Add apples: Gently fold in chopped apples. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every slice gets a little fruity love.
- Pour & bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle cinnamon sugar if desired. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice when slightly cooled for clean cuts.
How to Serve
Slice thick with butter, cream cheese, or peanut butter for ultimate cozy vibes. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or paired with your favorite coffee or tea.
Pro tip: toast a slice lightly and watch your mood improve instantly.
Nutrition Facts (per slice, approx.)
- Calories: 210–230
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping parchment: It makes removal messy; trust me, you’ll thank me.
- Overmixing batter: Leads to dense bread. Light folding is key.
- Using wet apples: Pat them dry; too much moisture = soggy bread.
- Cutting too early: Wait at least 10 minutes or your slices will fall apart.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Apples: Any variety works—Granny Smith for tartness, Fuji for sweetness.
- Flour: Half whole wheat for nuttiness; add an extra 1–2 tbsp liquid if you do.
- Butter: Coconut oil works for dairy-free; mild olive oil works too.
- Yogurt: Sour cream or even buttermilk can replace yogurt for tangy richness.
- Add-ins: Walnuts, pecans, or raisins—toss in 1/2 cup for extra texture.
Final Thoughts
This apple cinnamon bread really is like a hug in loaf form.
It’s soft, comforting, and smells like fall all year round.
Serve it warm, slice it thick, and enjoy every bite—your friends and family will be impressed, even if you “totally just threw it together.”
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely. Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
Yes, but reduce other liquids slightly and add a pinch of cinnamon sugar for texture.
Q: Can I use a different sweetener?
Maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar works. Adjust liquid amounts slightly.
Q: Do I have to peel the apples?
Not strictly, but peeled apples give a more uniform texture.
Q: How do I make a glaze?
Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk and drizzle over cooled bread. Optional cinnamon sprinkle = chef’s kiss.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just bake in two loaf pans and adjust bake time slightly (about 55–65 minutes).
