Amazing Cinnamon Apple Bread: 1 Loaf Joy

There’s just something about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking that feels like a warm hug, right? It instantly makes my kitchen feel cozy and inviting, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite aromas in the world. That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to capture with this cinnamon apple bread recipe. I know life can get super busy – trust me, I’ve been there! – which is why I designed this quick bread to be incredibly simple and forgiving. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something homemade and delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This recipe truly embodies what Pure Cooking Joy is all about: finding happiness in preparing food that brings people together, without all the fuss. It reminds me so much of how I first fell in love with baking myself, discovering that simple successes, like pulling a perfectly moist loaf from the oven, can bring such profound peace and joy.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread

Honestly, this cinnamon apple bread is kind of a game-changer. Here’s why it’ll become your go-to:

• Super Simple Mixing: Seriously, you can practically make this with one hand tied behind your back – it’s that straightforward and uses just a couple of bowls. Perfect for beginners!
• Incredible Flavor & Moisture: We’re talking about loads of fresh apple and warm cinnamon spices all wrapped up in a beautifully tender, moist apple bread. It’s pure autumnal bliss.
• So Versatile: Whether you need an easy breakfast, a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, or a new favorite sweet snack idea, this loaf fits the bill perfectly. It’s also one of those easy quick breads that always turns out great.
• The Aroma! Just baking this fills your home with the most comforting, delicious scent. It’s like a cozy hug in a loaf pan.

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Ingredients for the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Bread

Alright, let’s talk about what makes this cinnamon apple bread so darn good. It’s all about using simple, good ingredients that work together perfectly. I use stuff you probably already have in your pantry, plus a few fresh goodies to make it shine!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base, giving the bread its structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives our bread that lovely lift!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a touch to balance out the sweetness and make all those flavors pop.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gotta have that warm, cozy cinnamon spice!
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little whisper of nutmeg goes a long way and pairs beautifully with apples.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened, not melted! This is key for creaming with the sugar.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because vanilla just makes everything better, right?
• 1/2 cup sour cream: This is the secret weapon for super moist apple bread! It adds incredible tenderness.
• 1 cup grated fresh apple: About one medium apple. I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples because they’re not too mushy and have a great sweet-tart flavor that holds up beautifully in baking. Grating them fresh is super important for moisture!
• Optional Glaze: If you’re feeling fancy, you’ll want 1 cup powdered sugar, about 2-3 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. It’s a simple drizzle that really takes it over the top!

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Simple Steps to Make Your Cinnamon Apple Bread

Making this cinnamon apple bread is probably even easier than you think. It really is a straightforward process that lets the delicious flavors of apple and cinnamon shine. Trust me, you’ll be whipping this up in no time, and it’s practically one bowl baking if you’re careful!

Preparing Your Loaf Pan and Oven

First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your trusty 9×5 inch loaf pan. Give it a good grease and a little flour dusting – this makes sure our beautiful loaf slides out perfectly later on. No one wants a cake stuck in the pan, right?

Mixing the Dry Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Bread

Grab a medium-sized bowl and toss in your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined. This step ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, so you get that perfect rise and flavor in every bite of your cinnamon apple bread.

Creating the Wet Ingredients Base

Now for the magic! In a larger bowl, start by creaming together your softened butter and granulated sugar. You want to beat them until they’re super light and fluffy – think pale yellow and airy. This is where you build that tender crumb! Then, beat in your eggs one at a time, followed by that teaspoon of vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the sour cream until everything is just combined. It’ll look a little thick, and that’s totally fine!

Combining Wet and Dry for Your Apple Loaf Cake

Okay, here’s where you add those lovely dry ingredients from the other bowl to your wet mixture. It’s best to do this gradually, maybe in two or three additions, mixing *just* until combined after each one. Seriously, don’t go crazy with the mixing here; overmixing is the enemy of a tender apple loaf cake. Just mix until you don’t see any big streaks of flour left.

Folding in the Fresh Apples

This is the part where the apple goodness comes in! Gently fold in that cup of grated fresh apple. Be gentle with it so you don’t deflate all that air you worked so hard to get into the batter. You just want to distribute the apples evenly throughout the batter.

Baking and Doneness Cues

Pour your beautiful batter into that prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Now, pop it into your preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. The best way to tell if it’s done? Stick a wooden skewer or a thin knife right into the center. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs attached, no wet batter!), then it’s ready. You’ll also notice the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan.

Cooling and Optional Glaze

Once it’s baked, let the cinnamon apple bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up a bit. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re adding that optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, and drizzle it over the completely cooled bread. It’s a simple sweet crown for an already amazing loaf!

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Tips for the Best Moist Apple Bread

Okay, let’s chat about getting this moist apple bread absolutely perfect every single time. It’s not super complicated, but a few little tricks can make all the difference between a good loaf and a truly unforgettable one. I’ve learned a few things over the years from baking tons of loaves myself, which is why I wrote up some extra helpful baking tips!

• Don’t Skimp on the Apple Grating: Make sure you’re grating your apple fresh, right before you add it. Pre-shredded stuff is too dry. You want that natural moisture from a fresh apple to really infuse the bread. It’s worth the extra minute!
• Sour Cream is Key: Seriously, don’t skip the sour cream! It’s my secret weapon for that ridiculously tender and moist apple bread texture. If you absolutely must, plain Greek yogurt works in a pinch, but sour cream is king here.
• Mix Gently, My Friend: When you’re combining the dry and wet ingredients, and especially when you fold in the apples, be gentle! Overmixing develops the gluten, which can make your apple loaf cake tough instead of tender. Just mix until it’s *barely* combined.
• Apples Matter: Choose apples that hold up well when baked. Think Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or even a Granny Smith if you like a bit of tartness. They provide great flavor and texture without turning into applesauce in your bread.
• Cool It Down: Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit, then completely on a wire rack. Trying to slice into a piping hot loaf is just asking for crumbly disaster. Patience really does pay off here!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Recipe

Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the ingredients for this amazing cinnamon apple bread! Knowing a bit more about them can really help ensure your loaf turns out perfectly.

When it comes to apples, you really want something that’s going to give you flavor and hold its shape. My favorites for this apple loaf cake are crisp, slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. They have just the right amount of sweetness and a texture that bakes up beautifully. If you like a little tang, you could even try mixing in a Granny Smith!

Now, about that sour cream! It’s truly magic for moisture. If you don’t have sour cream, you can absolutely use full-fat plain Greek yogurt. The texture is a little different, but it will still give you that wonderful tenderness. Just make sure it’s not the fat-free kind, okay? We need that richness!

Serving Suggestions for Your Cinnamon Apple Bread

This cinnamon apple bread is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special! It’s fantastic served warm with a little dab of butter at breakfast, or just on its own as a delightful afternoon sweet snack idea. It’s also wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea. For a real treat, especially if you’re thinking about fall baking recipes, try serving a slice warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert!

Storage and Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas

One of the best things about this cinnamon apple bread is how well it keeps. You can totally make it ahead of time, which is a lifesaver when you’re planning for make ahead breakfast ideas! Once your beautiful loaf has completely cooled, wrap it up super tightly in plastic wrap. Then, tuck it away in an airtight container. It should stay wonderfully fresh and moist at room temperature for about 3 days. Honestly, it’s often even better on day two after the flavors have had a chance to really meld together!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Apple Bread

Got questions about my favorite cinnamon apple bread? I’ve got answers! Baking should be fun, not frustrating, so let’s clear up any little questions you might have about this delicious apple loaf cake.

Can I use pre-grated apples for this cinnamon apple bread?

While you *can*, I really don’t recommend it for the absolute best results. Pre-grated apples tend to be drier and can sometimes be a bit mushy. For that perfectly moist crumb and great apple flavor in your cinnamon apple bread, fresh is always best!

What are the best apples for baking this loaf cake?

I’m all about using apples that keep their texture and flavor when baked. For this loaf cake, think crisp, slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or even Pink Lady. They hold up wonderfully and add just the right amount of sweetness and moisture.

How do I prevent my cinnamon apple bread from sinking in the middle?

A sunken middle can happen, but usually, it’s from overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too early. Make sure you’re not overmixing once the dry ingredients are in, and resist the urge to check on it too often. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. If it looks done on the outside but the center is still gooey, it might need a bit longer at a slightly lower temp.

Can I freeze this apple loaf cake?

Yes, absolutely! This apple loaf cake freezes like a dream. Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then add another layer of foil or pop it into a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight on the counter when you’re ready to enjoy a slice!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, the nutritional facts for this delicious moist apple bread are approximate, as it can vary a little depending on your ingredients. Here’s a general idea per slice:

• Calories: Around 300
• Fat: About 15g (9g saturated)
• Protein: Around 4g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 40g
• Sugar: About 25g
• Fiber: Around 2g
• Sodium: Roughly 200mg

Cinnamon Apple Bread

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A moist and flavorful quick bread packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 60 min
• Total Time: 80 min
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated fresh apple (about 1 medium apple)
• Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the sour cream and mix until just combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Gently fold in the grated apple.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. If making the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
• You can make this bread ahead of time; it stores well at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a richer flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg