Quaint Cinnamon Apple Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this quick bread wraps up everything I crave in a cozy treat: soft crumb, warm spice, and juicy apple bits in every bite. The cinnamon sugar topping creates a delicate crunch, while the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf always delivers that comforting, homemade feeling.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk

Apple swirl:

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, finely chopped

Topping:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Glaze:

• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan.

2. In a medium bowl, I whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt; then set it aside.

3. In a large bowl, I cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth, about 3–4 minutes.

4. I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

5. On low speed, I alternate adding half the flour mixture with half the milk until fully combined.

6. I mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped apple in a separate bowl for the apple swirl.

7. I also mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small dish.

8. I pour half the batter into the loaf pan, layer with half the apple mixture, and swirl gently with a skewer.

9. I repeat with the remaining batter and apple mix, swirl again, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over it.

10. I bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

11. I let the loaf cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer it to a rack.

12. I whisk the glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the warm loaf.

13. I let it cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 50 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Calories: ~261 kcal per slice

Variations

• I use pears instead of apples for a gentle sweetness.

• I mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

• I add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to deepen the spice.

• I make muffins instead of a loaf for quicker baking and portioning.

• I drizzle with a maple glaze for autumn flair.

Storage/Reheating

I store this bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 5. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast them lightly for a crisp edge and melty glaze.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple?

Yes—I prefer firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for flavor and texture.

Can I freeze this bread?

Definitely. I wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw at room temperature.

Can I leave off the glaze?

Yes—it’s optional, but I like how it adds a light sweetness to the spiced loaf.

Why is my loaf dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and check your baking powder’s freshness—it helps keep the loaf light.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—I use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk with good results.

Conclusion

This Quaint Cinnamon Apple Bread is one of those recipes I reach for when I want something comforting, simple, and deeply satisfying. With its tender crumb, cozy spice, and bursts of sweet apple, it’s the kind of loaf that tastes like a warm kitchen on a crisp fall morning. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do.