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If the fall bug has hit and bit, then it’s apple cinnamon loaf time, friends! Soft, moist bread that is oh-so-yummy with a smear of cinnamon butter or a dollop of ice cream. All you need to do is combine wet and dry ingredients to make a batter and then fold through the apples before baking. This easy treat or midday pick-me-up will give you all the holiday feels. Make a loaf, wrap it up, and take it to a friend’s house! This cinnamon apple bread rates 5 stars every time.
Check out this soft, tender, and easy-to-make apple cinnamon loaf, which comes together in simple steps and bakes in no time at all.
If you love this apple loaf cake, make Bisquick apple cobbler, apple sheet cake, marble loaf cake, or apple thumbprint cookies next.
Why You’ll Love It
Irresistible flavor: The combination of tender apples and warm cinnamon creates a deliciously comforting flavor that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.
Moist and tender: This easy apple bread recipe is incredibly moist thanks to the oil and fresh apples, making it a delightful treat.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this apple cinnamon loaf is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Anytime treat: Enjoy it as a breakfast delight, a midday snack, or a dessert – it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Loaf
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of this apple cinnamon bread recipe, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture in the loaf.
Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the loaf rises beautifully while baking.
Ground cinnamon: Don’t skip it!
Eggs: I always choose large eggs and use them at room temperature for easy mixing.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral-tasting oil.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping to create a soft texture in the finished loaf.
Apples: You can use any kind of apple you like – red, dessert, or granny smith apples are all great!
Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can be added for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Loaf
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla, eggs, and oil.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the salt, cinnamon, flour, lemon zest, baking powder, and baking soda. Add this dry mixture to the wet one and mix.
Add apples: Fold in the chopped apples.
Prepare for baking: Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan.
Bake: Bake it for 45 minutes.
Finish baking: Cover the loaf pan with foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the apple bread loaf cool in the pan for a while and then let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Substitutions and Variations
Vegetable oil: For a healthier alternative to vegetable oil, use melted coconut oil or applesauce in your apple cinnamon bread.
Sugar: Use light brown sugar instead of white.
Eggs: For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2½ tablespoons of water equals one egg).
Cinnamon: Add spices like nutmeg, allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor twist.
Lemon zest: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a brighter citrus flavor.
Apples: Experiment with different types of apples, like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. You can also mix in other fruits like pears or berries.
Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans or almonds for added crunch and texture.
Chocolate chips: Add chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a sweet surprise in every slice.
Glaze or topping: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk on top of the cooled loaf, or sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Start with roast pumpkin soup or my steak and squash salad.
Main: Serve sliced slow-cooker turkey or glazed ham with an apple cider mojito on the side!
Dessert: End with a slice of this apple bread recipe with cinnamon butter or ice cream.
How to Store Cinnamon Apple Loaf
Store: Keep the cooled apple cinnamon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor. If you need to store it longer, consider refrigerating it.
Freezer: To extend its shelf life, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can also slice it and store it in individual pieces in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Thaw: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen loaf or slices at room temperature for a few hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: For a warm treat, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or warm the entire loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Top Tips
Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale (I use this one!) or measuring cups for precision to ensure the best texture in your loaf.
Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined to keep the loaf light and fluffy.
Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and any other refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Choose the right apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, or stick to your favorites.
Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s wet, continue baking.
Cool properly: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart.
Apple Loaf FAQs
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free baking blend for different textures and dietary needs.
You can make a substitute using baking soda and cream of tartar. For each teaspoon of baking powder, use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda plus ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Yes, you can make it vegan by replacing the eggs with flax or chia eggs and using plant-based oil and non-dairy milk.
Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaf is done. If it’s wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Apple and Cinnamon Loaf Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Loaf
Equipment
- Loaf Pan 5 x 9-Inch
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ½ Cup vegetable oil
- 2 Cups all purpose flour
- 1 Teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 Teaspoon baking powder
- ½ Teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ Cup white sugar
- 1 Teaspoon lemon zest
- 1¼ Teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 Cups apples, peeled and chopped into ¼-inch cubes eg Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp apples
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan.
- Whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Whisk together the cinnamon, flour, salt, lemon zest, baking soda, and baking powder in another bowl until well combined.
- Add the cinnamon mixture to the sugar mixture and stir until just mixed.
- Stir in apples and then spoon the batter into the greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Take the loaf pan out of the oven and cover with foil. Bake for another 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool briefly in the pan and then remove and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined to keep the loaf light and fluffy.
Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and any other refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Choose the right apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, or stick to your favorites.
Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s wet, continue baking.
Cool properly: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart.
Nutrition
If you love a good quick bread recipe, this apple cinnamon loaf has to be on your to-bake list! I love the perfectly moist and tender texture together with the freshness from the apple. It makes a great pick-me-up treat or easy dessert and is so pretty wrapped with ribbon as a gift.
Other Apple Recipes to Try
- Dive into these easy instant pot fireball apple shortcakes, featuring tender, spiced apples paired with fluffy shortcakes.
- This caramel apple dip transforms your favorite fall snack into a creamy, sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings.
- Start your day off right with these apple crumb muffins, bursting with juicy apples and a crumbly cinnamon streusel.
- Indulge in the warmth of fall with these homemade apple cinnamon fritters, which are fluffy, delicious, and perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
- Enjoy the flavors of classic apple pie in a fun and delicious format with these apple pie muffin top cookies.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Loved this loaf! It’s so soft and perfectly spiced, and the apples add just the right sweetness. The family loved it, too!
Quick and easy recipe but way too dry. I poked holes in bottom of cake, brushed on 1/4 cup of apple juice and by morning was nice and moist.
I love the sound of the apple juice – I’m going to try it that way next time! As for the dryness, that’s unfortunate. Mine came out quite moist but I’m glad your apple juice trick worked well.