Cinnamon Apple Bread: A Cozy Fall Favorite

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Bread filling your kitchen. This loaf is soft, buttery, and packed with chunks of apples and warm cinnamon flavor. Topped with a cinnamon-sugar topping and finished with a simple glaze, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. Whether you’re looking for a fall-inspired recipe or just love the combination of cinnamon and apples, this bread is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk

For the Apple Mixture:

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan to ensure easy removal after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1½ cups flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set the mixture aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth, creamy, and pale—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• On low speed, alternate adding half of the flour mixture and half of the ½ cup milk to the batter. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and milk, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Prepare the Apple Mixture:

• In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup light brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and the chopped apple pieces. Set aside.

6. Assemble the Bread:

• Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
• Top with half of the apple mixture, spreading it across the surface. Swirl the apple mixture into the batter lightly using a knife or skewer.
• Pour the remaining batter over the apple mixture and top with the rest of the apple-cinnamon mixture. Swirl gently again.

7. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the bread batter.

8. Bake the Bread:

• Bake the bread for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

9. Prepare the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips:

• Apples: Feel free to use your favorite variety of apples. Granny Smith works well for a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a sweeter flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The bread also freezes well; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Recipe Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per slice
• Servings: 8 slices

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is everything you love about fall baking. With a tender crumb, warm cinnamon spice, and sweet chunks of apples, it’s a delightful treat to enjoy any time of day. The crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping and sweet glaze take this bread to the next level, making it perfect for cozy mornings or gatherings with friends and family. Give it a try and savor the flavors of the season!

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