Sweet and lightly spiced, this Apple Cinnamon Bread recipe is a comforting treat packed with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a sweet vanilla icing. If you’re searching for Apple Bread Recipes Pioneer Woman style, you’ve come to the right place! This homemade apple cinnamon bread is not only incredibly delicious but also easy to make, perfect for a cozy breakfast, a delightful snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Two slices of apple cinnamon bread on white plate.
Why This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just any apple bread recipe; it’s a nostalgic and incredibly flavorful loaf that will quickly become a family favorite. Think of the warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen, the moist and tender crumb studded with soft apple pieces, and the sweet drizzle of vanilla icing – pure baking bliss!
Aimee’s Recipe Highlights:
- Taste: A delightful balance of cinnamon spice and natural apple sweetness.
- Texture: Wonderfully moist and tender with chunks of soft apples and a slightly crisp crust.
- Ease of Baking: Straightforward recipe suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
- Baking Method: Baked to golden perfection in a standard loaf pan.
- Pro Tip: Dice your apples into small, uniform pieces for even distribution and texture in every bite. And trust us, don’t skip the vanilla icing – it elevates this bread to another level!
Apple Desserts for Every Occasion
Are you an apple dessert enthusiast? If so, you’re in good company! From classic apple pies to comforting apple crisps, apples shine in the dessert world. And when you pair apples with cinnamon, magic happens. This Apple Cinnamon Bread recipe perfectly captures that beloved combination in a convenient and delicious loaf.
If you adore apple treats, you’ll love this apple cinnamon loaf. It’s:
- Packed with Real Apples: Unlike some apple breads, this recipe is loaded with chunks of fresh apple folded right into the batter.
- Topped with Vanilla Icing: A generous drizzle of sweet vanilla icing adds the perfect finishing touch to this cinnamon apple bread.
- Versatile: Want muffins instead? We’ve got you covered with easy instructions to transform this bread into irresistible apple cinnamon muffins!
Rave Reviews for Apple Cinnamon Bread
Don’t just take our word for it – home bakers are already raving about this recipe!
“Just made this and it is fantastic. It’s got lots of crunch with the cinnamon topping and the bread base is just sweet enough. The icing is just a wonderful extra. I really believe I could sit and eat the whole loaf. Thanks so much for the recipe.” – Paul
Key Ingredients for the Best Apple Bread
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to bake this incredible apple cinnamon bread. For the full ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below!
Aimee’s Ingredient Insights:
- All-Purpose Flour: No need for fancy flours here! All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to measure your flour correctly using the spoon and level method for best results.
- Sugars: This recipe uses a blend of sugars for optimal flavor and texture. You’ll need granulated sugar for the bread itself, brown sugar for the delicious cinnamon swirl filling, and powdered sugar for the sweet vanilla glaze.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh to guarantee a good rise. Baking soda is not a substitute in this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the bread. If you only have salted butter on hand, it will still work perfectly fine – just omit a pinch of salt if you are salt-sensitive. Soften your butter to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. For an extra special touch, consider using homemade vanilla extract.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star spice here! A generous amount of ground cinnamon infuses the bread with its warm and comforting aroma.
- Apples: For the best apple flavor, choose slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the bread beautifully. Juicy apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady will also work wonderfully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Apple Cinnamon Bread
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious apple cinnamon bread:
Step by step photos showing how to make apple cinnamon bread.
Baking Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Dice the Apples: Peel, core, and dice one large apple (about 1 cup diced) into small, uniform pieces.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bread: Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the diced apples evenly over the batter, gently pressing them in. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Top with the remaining apples and cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently pat the topping down with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Vanilla Icing: While the bread is cooling, make the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and drizzly.
- Ice and Enjoy: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the vanilla icing evenly over the top. Let the icing set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade apple cinnamon bread!
Tips for Baking Perfect Apple Cinnamon Bread
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Make sure the apple bread is fully cooled before adding the vanilla icing. If the bread is still warm, the icing will melt and become runny.
- Apple Size Variety is Okay: While uniform apple pieces are ideal, don’t worry too much about perfection. A little variation in apple size is perfectly fine as they bake into the bread.
- Storage Instructions: To keep your apple cinnamon bread moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Apple bread freezes beautifully! You can freeze the whole loaf or slice it into individual portions. Thaw completely in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. You can warm it slightly before serving if desired.
This apple cinnamon bread is delicious for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or even dessert. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat! While the icing is optional, it truly enhances both the flavor and appearance of this delightful bread.
Apple muffins with a ribbon of cinnamon and vanilla icing and a bite taken.
From Bread to Muffins: Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Love muffins? Transform this apple cinnamon bread recipe into equally delicious muffins! This recipe will yield approximately 14 regular-sized muffins.
Muffin Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or spray with baking spray.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of batter into the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Top each with about ½ tablespoon of diced apples, followed by ½ tablespoon of the brown sugar cinnamon mixture.
- Add another tablespoon of batter to each muffin cup, and sprinkle with another ½ tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool muffins completely in the tin before removing and drizzling with vanilla icing. These apple cinnamon muffins are a perfect fall treat!
More Easy Dessert Recipes to Explore
Craving more delicious and easy dessert recipes? Here are a few more to try:
[Link to No Knead Artisan Bread]
[Link to Double Chocolate Banana Bread]
[Link to Easy Moist Pumpkin Banana Bread]
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and share your review in the comments section!
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Apple bread with swirls of cinnamon.
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Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe Card
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Recipe Notes:
- Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
- Freezing: Yes, apple bread freezes wonderfully! Freeze whole or in slices.
- Best Apples for Baking: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are recommended.
- Muffins: See blog post for muffin instructions!
Nutrition Information:
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Course: Breads
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe? Tag us on social media! @shugarysweets #shugarysweets
Enjoy the delightful flavors of apples and cinnamon in this moist and sweet apple bread!
About Aimee Shugarman
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[Brownies Image]
Categories: [Breads] [Breakfast and Brunch] [Muffins]
Published: January 14, 2011
