Cinnamon Apple Bread

Cinnamon Apple Bread is a warm, cozy, and aromatic loaf filled with tender chunks of apple, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of cardamom. With its soft, moist texture and perfectly balanced flavors, this bread makes for a perfect breakfast treat or a comforting dessert. The turbinado sugar topping adds a delightful crunch, making each slice irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Apple Bread combines the sweetness of apple butter and fresh apples with the warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. The bread is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the Greek yogurt and apple butter, while the turbinado sugar on top creates a delightful crunchy finish. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

For the Bread:
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup butter, softened
⅔ cup apple butter
¼ cup milk
¼ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)

For the Apples:
2 apples, peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ tablespoon cinnamon
½ tablespoon flour

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set it aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the sugar and butter. Beat at medium speed until fluffy.

2. Add the apple butter, milk, Greek yogurt, and eggs. Mix on low speed until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

1. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat just until blended.

Prepare the Apples:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.

Add Apples to the Batter:

1. Gently fold the apple mixture into the batter.

Bake the Bread:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the top.

2. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack.

2. Remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the apples.

• Use different fruit: Swap the apples for pears or a combination of apples and pears for a different flavor.

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a gluten-free version.

• Spiced version: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of allspice for more warmth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened applesauce instead of apple butter?

Yes, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for apple butter, but the bread will be less rich and flavorful. You may want to add a bit more sugar or spices to compensate.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

What if I don’t have turbinado sugar for the topping?

If you don’t have turbinado sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar or even light brown sugar for a similar effect.

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer, but firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for baking.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Bread is the perfect fall-inspired treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples and warm spices in a soft, moist loaf. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or with a cup of coffee, this bread is sure to impress. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, homemade bread everyone will love!

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