This Apple Cinnamon Bread is a warm, flavorful treat, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and juicy apples creates an irresistible loaf that’s soft and moist. Topped with a sweet glaze, this bread is sure to be a hit in any home. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, this apple cinnamon bread is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and texture. The cinnamon and brown sugar topping adds a crunchy sweetness, while the soft, moist apple bread keeps you coming back for more. With the added apple mixture baked right into the loaf, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Plus, the optional glaze allows you to customize the sweetness of your bread, giving it that extra special touch.

Apple Cinnamon Bread with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Topping

Ingredients

For the Brown Sugar/Cinnamon Mixture:

⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Apple Bread Loaf:

½ cup butter, softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 room temperature eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk or almond milk, room temperature

For the Chopped Apple Mixture:

2 large apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and chopped small (but not fine)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Old-Fashioned Creme Glaze (Optional):

½ cup powdered sugar
1-3 tablespoons of milk or cream (depending on the thickness of the glaze wanted)

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

Directions

Prepare the Brown Sugar/Cinnamon Topping:

Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for the topping.

Prepare the Apple Mixture:

Toss Apples: In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside to let the apples soak up the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Make the Apple Bread Loaf:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk or almond milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Add the Apples: Gently fold in the cinnamon-sugar apple mixture, making sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Assemble the Loaf:

Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture on top. Add the rest of the batter and finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar on top of the loaf.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the loaf with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Make the Glaze (Optional):

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or cream) until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired glaze consistency. For a thinner glaze (like an apple fritter style), add more milk.
Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of the loaf.

Serve:

Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool before slicing. Enjoy it fresh or toasted with a bit of butter!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
Spices: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for more spice depth.
Apple Compote: For a richer apple flavor, cook the chopped apples with a bit of butter and sugar until soft and caramelized, then fold them into the batter.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! You can use any apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, but Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples would also work wonderfully for sweetness.

2. Can I make this recipe without the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The bread is delicious on its own, and you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet version.

3. Can I use almond milk or another milk alternative?

Yes, almond milk or any plant-based milk can be used in place of regular milk. Just be sure to use a variety that is unsweetened if you don’t want the bread to be too sweet.

4. Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, you can make this recipe into muffins. Adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of a muffin.

5. How can I make the bread fluffier?

For fluffier bread, ensure you don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, as overmixing can result in a denser loaf. Be sure to also measure your flour accurately.

6. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

7. Can I use pre-made apple pie filling?

Yes, you can use apple pie filling as a shortcut! Just drain it before adding to the batter and make sure it’s chopped into smaller pieces.

8. Can I add raisins to this bread?

Yes, raisins would be a great addition to this recipe. You can fold in about ½ cup of raisins along with the chopped apples.

9. What should I do if the bread is browning too quickly?

If the bread is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent overbaking the top.

10. How can I make this bread more moist?

Ensure you don’t overbake the bread, as that can dry it out. Adding a bit of extra applesauce or mashed bananas to the batter can also help retain moisture.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Bread with Brown Sugar Topping is a warm, comforting loaf packed with the flavors of fall. With juicy apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy topping, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or with a drizzle of glaze, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!