why make this recipe

This cinnamon apple bread is warm, simple, and full of apple and spice. It makes a nice snack or a quick breakfast. If you enjoy easy apple desserts, you might also like the small apple treats in this recipe for apple crisp mini cheesecakes.

introduction

Cinnamon Apple Bread is a soft loaf with a thick apple and cinnamon sugar center, and a sweet glaze on top. It uses common pantry items and one apple. The bread bakes in about an hour. It is good for a family morning or a simple dessert.

how to make Cinnamon Apple Bread

You mix dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add eggs and milk, fold the batter, layer apple-cinnamon filling in the middle, bake, cool, and then pour a simple glaze over the loaf.

Follow the full Directions section below for step-by-step details.

Ingredients :

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened ((1 stick))
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons water

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla together on medium-high speed until smooth and pale (about 3-4 minutes). Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated.
With the mixer on low speed, add about half of the flour mixture, alternating with half the milk. Add the remaining flour mixture and milk and mix to combine.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon and apples. Set aside.
To make the topping, in a small bowl combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top it with half of the apple mixture. With a knife or skewer, swirl through the batter lightly. Don’t over do it. The bread looks better when it has a beautiful thick layer of fruit and cinnamon sugar in the middle.
Pour the remaining batter on top and then the remaining apple mixture. With a knife or skewer, swirl through the batter a couple of times in both directions. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Only a few moist crumbs should attached to the cake tester or toothpick due to the soft apples in the center.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 – 20 minutes. While the bread is cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients.
Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Drizzle the glaze over the bread. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

how to serve Cinnamon Apple Bread

Slice the bread and serve at room temperature. It goes well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a different serving idea, try it in a cup or small tart like the apple pie cups shown in this simple recipe for apple pie cups.

how to store Cinnamon Apple Bread

Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months; wrap each slice well before freezing.

tips to make Cinnamon Apple Bread

Use a firm apple such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to keep pieces from turning mushy.
Chop the apple into small, even pieces so they bake evenly.
Don’t over-swirl the batter; a few gentle swirls make a nice look and keep layers intact.
Check the bread after 45 minutes. If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil and finish baking.
Let the bread cool before adding the glaze so the glaze stays on top.

variation (if any)

Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the apple mixture for crunch.
Stir in 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries with the apples for extra fruit.
For a richer flavor, replace 1/4 cup of milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

FAQs

Q: Can I use more than one apple?
A: Yes. You can use two small apples if you want more fruit, but chop them small so the bread still bakes well.

Q: Can I make this without an electric mixer?
A: Yes. You can cream the butter and sugar by hand with a wooden spoon. It will take more effort but it works.

Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
A: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs from the apples.

Q: Can I make this in a different pan?
A: You can use a 9 x 5 loaf pan, but baking time may change. Check for doneness after 40 minutes.

Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Yes. The glaze adds sweetness and looks nice, but the bread is good without it.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Apple Bread is easy and tasty for breakfast or dessert. It uses simple steps and one apple for a sweet, cinnamon center. For another take on the same flavors and more step ideas, see the Homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe – Erhardts Eat.