Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven, you’re in for a real delight with this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to anytime I want a sweet, spiced bread that’s bursting with fresh apple goodness and just the right amount of cinnamon kick. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know – or keep it all to yourself (I won’t judge!). Stick around because I’m about to walk you through everything you need to know to bake this scrumptious bread perfectly.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Moisture Balance: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the bread tender without making it soggy.
- Fresh Diced Apples: A generous amount of Granny Smith apples adds natural sweetness and texture.
- Warm Cinnamon Flavor: Two teaspoons of cinnamon provide that comforting spice without overpowering the apples.
- Low and Slow Baking: Baking at 300°F for 90 minutes ensures even cooking and a soft crumb.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe strikes a beautiful balance by combining pantry staples with fresh apples and thoughtful spices. Each ingredient plays a crucial role to bring out the best flavors and texture in this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into it and why.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness while cutting down on fat, making the bread wonderfully tender.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to bind everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Offers subtle warmth and depth to enhance the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Balances tartness and brings a light sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and helps keep the bread moist.
- All-purpose flour: Provides necessary gluten to give the bread structure without density.
- Baking soda: Leavens the bread for a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that pairs perfectly with apple and sugar.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart, crisp, and diced fresh to add bursts of flavor and texture.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and occasions. I love playing around with little tweaks, and I encourage you to do the same! It’s such a forgiving recipe that a few changes can bring it entirely new vibes.
- Swap the apples: I’ve tried Fuji and Honeycrisp apples too — both add nice sweetness and hold up well.
- Nutty crunch: Adding walnuts or pecans gives an amazing texture contrast—totally recommend if you like a little crunch in your bread.
- Dairy twist: Some folks mix in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to make it even richer, but I prefer to keep it light.
- Spice blend: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an autumn twist that deepens the flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to a gentle 300°F. This slower baking temperature is key to keeping the bread moist and ensuring it cooks evenly without crusting too fast. Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans well with nonstick spray—this will make it smoother to remove the loaf later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Then stir in both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture feels silky and the sugars are well dissolved. This crew of ingredients lays down a flavorful, moist base for the bread.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Add Apples
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together. Then gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll get a dense bread. Last but not least, fold in the diced Granny Smith apples carefully to keep those fresh chunks throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake Low and Slow
Divide the batter evenly between your two loaf pans and pop them in the oven. The 90-minute bake time at 300°F allows the bread to develop a tender crumb and perfect moistness—resist the urge to crank up the temperature, as that can dry the bread out. Test doneness with a toothpick: it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the bread cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes to set, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting to slice too soon, but giving the bread this time really helps keep it moist and stops it from crumbling.
Pro Tips for Making Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
- Use Fresh Apples: I always choose firm Granny Smith apples because their tartness cuts through the sweetness and they hold shape well while baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing until just combined ensures your bread stays light and tender, not tough.
- Low Oven Temperature: Baking at 300°F keeps the bread from drying out and preserves the lovely moisture.
- Cool Before Slicing: Letting the bread cool fully before cutting prevents it from crumbling and keeps the slices neat.
How to Serve Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin smear of softened butter—either brightens the warmth of the cinnamon and sweetness of the apple beautifully. Sometimes, on chilly mornings, a drizzle of honey on top takes it next-level cozy.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea—perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts. If you’re serving it as a dessert, whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it feel indulgent but still homemade and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches, I’ve served this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread cut into thick slices, topped with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans and a light drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and looks stunning on a rustic wooden board paired with fresh fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I wrap the cooled bread tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. It stays surprisingly moist and delicious, especially if you bring it out to room temp before slicing if chilled.
Freezing
If I want to save some for later, I slice the bread and store the slices in a ziplock freezer bag with parchment paper between to prevent sticking. Frozen, it lasts up to 3 months and still tastes great after thawing overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop a slice wrapped in a damp paper towel into the microwave for about 20 seconds or toast it lightly. This revives the moisture and makes it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple in this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are my go-to for their tartness and firmness, you can swap in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples. Just make sure they’re fresh and firm so they hold up well during baking without turning mushy.
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Why do you bake the bread at 300°F instead of a higher temperature?
Baking at a lower temperature for longer is key to achieving that moist, tender crumb in this recipe. It allows the bread to set fully without drying out or getting a thick crust, producing a soft slice every time.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed to replace regular flour cup-for-cup. Keep an eye on the texture—sometimes these blends absorb moisture differently, so you might need to slightly adjust the applesauce amount.
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How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Since ovens vary, start checking around 85 minutes but avoid opening the oven too frequently.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe has become one of those comforting classics in my kitchen—a go-to whenever I want that perfect combo of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors. I hope you give it a try and it becomes just as special to you. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and absolutely delicious—like a little slice of fall or cozy mornings anytime you want. So grab your mixing bowl, apples, and cinnamon, and let’s bake some love into every bite!
Print
Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread is a delightful blend of sweet cinnamon and fresh Granny Smith apples baked into a tender, flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this recipe uses applesauce for moisture and combines granulated and brown sugars for a rich sweetness. With a gentle baking temperature and a long bake time, the bread develops a perfect texture that is moist and satisfying.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sugars
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Fruit
- 3 cups diced Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease two 9×5-inch bread loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add Sugars: Whisk in 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
- Fold in Apples: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in 3 cups of diced Granny Smith apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter, taking care not to overmix.
- Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter into the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of each loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the loaves to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes. Then carefully remove the breads from the pans and cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for tartness which balances the sweetness of the bread.
- Ensure apples are diced evenly for uniform baking and texture.
- If you prefer, substitute unsweetened applesauce with mashed ripe bananas for a different flavor profile.
- To store, wrap the cooled bread tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw completely before serving.
- You can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Baking at a low temperature helps the bread cook slowly and prevents the apples from drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of a loaf)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
