Dessert

Apple Bread Recipe

ByMaya Quinn October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

Apple bread is a moist, flavorful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with tender apples in every slice. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. This easy recipe fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and delivers comforting bites that everyone will enjoy.

A loaf of cinnamon swirl bread sliced on a white marbled surface, showcasing a soft, light beige interior with darker cinnamon brown swirls running through it. The top crust is golden brown and textured with a sugar sprinkle that sparkles, forming a crunchy layer on the surface. The slice has a crumbly texture around the edges and lies on a metal cooling rack with crumbs scattered around. The background is blurred, emphasizing the loaf and slice in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.
Step 4: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped apples.
Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
Step 8: Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
Step 9: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread browns too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 10: Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor, or keep it sweet with Fuji or Honeycrisp.
Try adding ½ cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for crunch.
For extra moisture, stir in ¼ cup sour cream or yogurt into the batter.
Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon to deepen the spice profile.

Storage

Store the apple bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze wrapped well for up to 3 months. Warm slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a loaf of baked bread with a crunchy, golden-brown top crust covered in crumbly pieces. The loaf is placed on white parchment paper with four thick slices cut from it, laid overlapping in front of the main loaf. The inside of the slices is soft and pale with visible bits of fruit or nuts creating small specks of brown and yellow. A sharp knife with an etched blade lies behind the loaf, and a woman's hand holding the knife is partially visible. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with a few small apples around the edges, adding a touch of color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this bread?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and add a nice tang, while sweeter varieties like Gala or Fuji make the bread milder and sweeter.

Do I need to peel the apples before adding them?

Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture and to prevent any bitterness from the skin, but it’s optional if you prefer the added fiber and rustic feel of the peels.