Apple Cinnamon Bread: The Perfect Fall Baking Recipe

A no-fuss loaf that captures the warmth of autumn in every tender, flavorful slice.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 21, 2025

A no-fuss loaf that captures the warmth of autumn in every tender, flavorful slice.

Apple Cinnamon Bread: The Ultimate Fall Treat

As autumn brings its signature chill and colorful leaves, few things are as comforting as a slice of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Bread. With its moist crumb, golden crust, and bursts of warm cinnamon and sweet-tart apple, this quick bread is the epitome of fall baking. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a homemade gift, this bread captures the season’s essence in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Bread

Moist and Flavorful: The bread is packed with juicy apple pieces and accented with aromatic cinnamon for a classic autumn flavor.
Crunchy Texture: Walnuts add a delightful crunch in every slice, perfectly complementing the soft bread and tender apples.
No Mixer Needed: With its simple stir-together batter, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast with coffee, as a treat in lunchboxes, or as a sweet gift during the holiday season.
Beautiful Presentation: Fanned apple slices and a shiny brush of apricot jam make this loaf as pretty as it is tasty.

What Is Apple Cinnamon Bread Made Of?

This quick bread comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. It doesn’t require yeast, so preparation is quick and easy. Here are the core components:

Flour: All-purpose flour forms the structure of the bread.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the loaf and helps develop the golden crust.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents give the bread its rise and tender crumb.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread extra moist and tender.
Buttermilk: Adds subtle tang and richness, while ensuring a soft crumb.
Eggs & Vanilla: Bind the batter and add flavor depth.
Apples: The star ingredient—Granny Smith apples provide a tart, crisp bite that holds up well to baking.
Cinnamon: Infuses the loaf with warmth and spice.
Walnuts: Offer crunch and nutty flavor throughout the bread.
Apricot Jam: Brushed on top for a glossy, jewel-like finish and a touch of extra sweetness.

Best Apples for Baking Bread

Not all apples behave the same in the oven. For bread that holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy, it’s important to choose the right kind:

Granny Smith: Preferred for their tartness, firm texture, and ability to stay intact when baked.
Honeycrisp: Sweet with a crisp bite—these also hold their form well.
Gala: Sweeter and slightly less tart, but still suitable for baking.

If you like variety, you can also blend two apple varieties for a more complex flavor.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Salted butter (for pan)	For greasing	Prevents sticking
All-purpose flour	1 3/4 cups + 1 tbsp	Main structure
Granny Smith apples	2, peeled & chopped + 1 for garnish	Moisture & flavor
Ground cinnamon	1 tbsp	Warm spice
Sugar	1 cup	Sweetness
Baking powder	1 1/2 tsp	Leavening
Kosher salt	1 tsp	Enhances flavor
Baking soda	1/4 tsp	Leavening
Vegetable oil	1/2 cup	Moisture
Buttermilk	1/2 cup	Richness, soft crumb
Vanilla extract	1 tbsp	Flavor
Large eggs	2	Binding
Walnuts	1/2 cup	Crunch
Apricot jam	2 tbsp	Glaze

Step-By-Step Directions

Preheat & Prep: Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan to ensure an easy release.
Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, gently toss the apple chunks with cinnamon, 1/4 cup of the sugar, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Set aside to absorb flavors.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, the rest of the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and eggs until fully blended.
Combine & Fold: Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork, as this can make the bread tough. Fold in the cinnamon-tossed apples and walnuts (including any juices from the apples).
Fill the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Decorate the Top: Cut the reserved apple crosswise into three thin (1/8-inch) slices. Shingle them across the top of the loaf for a striking garnish, and gently press them into the batter.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently turn out onto a wire rack to cool further.
Glaze: Warm the apricot jam in the microwave until loosened. Brush the jam over the warm bread to achieve a beautiful shine and a hint of extra sweetness.
Slice & Serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing for clean, picture-perfect pieces.

Serving Suggestions

With Coffee or Tea: The comforting flavors make it perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon break.
As Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Gifting: Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift—ideal for teachers, neighbors, or holiday hosts.
Brunch Spreads: Pair with savory quiches and fruit salads for autumn gatherings.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store the fully cooled bread, wrapped tightly in plastic or a zip-top bag, for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: For longer storage (up to 1 week), refrigerate well-wrapped bread.
Freeze: Slice and individually wrap pieces, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly in the microwave for a quick treat.

Recipe Variations: Customize Your Apple Cinnamon Bread

Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts for allergies or personal preference without losing the bread’s tender crumb.
Different Fruits: Try substituting pears or a mix of apple varieties for a twist in flavor.
Extra Cinnamon Swirl: Mix additional cinnamon and sugar and swirl through the batter before baking for a ribbon of cinnamon throughout.
Add Raisins: Stir in 1/3 cup raisins for a touch of extra sweetness and chewiness.
Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest for a bright accent.

Expert Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender, fluffy crumb.
Check Apples: Chop the apples evenly (about 1/2-inch pieces) for consistent texture throughout the loaf.
Toothpick Test: Start checking at the 1-hour mark. Ovens vary, so bake until a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
Shiny Glaze: The apricot jam glaze can be swapped for apple jelly or omitted if desired, but it creates that picturesque finish that elevates homemade bread to bakery status.

Common Questions about Apple Cinnamon Bread

What’s the difference between quick bread and yeast bread?

Quick bread, like apple cinnamon bread, is leavened with baking powder or soda rather than yeast. This means it doesn’t require kneading or rising time, making it faster and more approachable for home bakers.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes. While Granny Smith is recommended for its tartness and firmness, you can substitute Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonagold, or a mix. Just avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious, which can become mushy.

Can the bread be made ahead?

Absolutely. This bread stores well at room temperature for two days, and can be refrigerated or frozen for longer keeping. Reheat slices in the microwave for that just-baked warmth.

How do I keep the bread moist?

Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic or foil. For extra insurance, add a slice of apple or bread to the container to maintain moisture.

What if I don’t like walnuts?

Omit them or replace with pecans or raisins for a similar texture contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?

A: For a heartier, more wholesome loaf, replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Monitor the liquid as whole wheat flour will absorb more. The texture may be slightly denser, but it remains delicious.

Q: Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

A: Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. Be mindful of the batter’s consistency, which may be a bit different, and always check that baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can this bread be made into muffins?

A: Certainly! Divide the batter among greased or paper-lined muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake at the same temperature, but check for doneness after 20–25 minutes.

Q: How do I stop the apple pieces from sinking?

A: Tossing the apples with flour before adding to the batter helps them stay suspended and prevents them from sinking as the bread bakes.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Nutrition (per slice, approx.)

Calories	Fat	Carbohydrates	Sugar	Fiber	Protein
200	8g	31g	16g	2g	4g

(Nutritional values will vary depending on exact ingredients and loaf size.)

Share the Joy of Fall Baking

Few recipes evoke the feeling of autumn quite like warm Apple Cinnamon Bread. Its inviting aroma, cozy flavors, and beautiful appearance make it a staple of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this easy and irresistible loaf is bound to become a favorite at your table.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb